Key Takeaways
- The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) demands immediate implementation of Nigeria's 2026 Capital Budget.
- CSJ accuses the Federal Government of violating constitutional provisions and fiscal laws through persistent budget delays.
- Information suggests most Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have received less than 50% of their 2025 capital funds.
- No funds have reportedly been released for the 2026 Federal Capital Budget, despite the year being significantly advanced.
- The National Assembly is faulted for failing its constitutional oversight responsibility to compel budget implementation.
Abuja, Nigeria – A prominent civil society organization, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), has issued a scathing indictment against the Federal Government (FG) and the National Assembly (NASS), accusing them of gross negligence and constitutional breaches over the persistent delays in implementing the nation's capital budgets. The CSJ warns that these continuous postponements violate fundamental provisions of the Constitution, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, and the Appropriation Act, threatening national development and economic stability.
The urgent call for action was articulated in an open letter penned by CSJ's Lead Director, Eze Onyekpere. The letter, addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, was also dispatched to key legislative leaders, including the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The Unfolding Crisis: A Call for Accountability
In its strongly worded communication, the CSJ demanded that the Minister of Finance provide a public explanation for the persistent delays in releasing funds earmarked for critical capital projects. The organization specifically cited Section 48(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which mandates transparency and timely disclosure in the management of public finances, as a basis for its demand. Furthermore, the CSJ called for the immediate release of all outstanding funds necessary for the full implementation of both the carried-over 2025 and the fast-tracked 2026 capital budgets.
Constitutional Breaches and Fiscal Irregularities
The CSJ highlighted a critical legal point, stating, “A conspicuous part of the yearly Appropriation Acts, reproduced in the 2026 Appropriation Act in line with the Financial Year Act and the interpretation of Section 318 of the Constitution, provides that appropriated sums are available for expenditure between January 1 and December 31 of every year, and no part of the amount appropriated shall be released from the Consolidated Revenue Fund after the end of the financial year.” The organization firmly asserted that the continuous extension of the fiscal calendar for capital vote implementation is an “aberration that introduces uncertainty and tardiness into public finance management.”
Stalled Projects, Stifled Progress
According to information gathered by the CSJ, the carried-over 2025 Capital Budget has yet to be fully released and cash-backed. Most Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have reportedly received less than 50 percent of the funds required to execute their outstanding capital projects. Even more alarming, the organization alleged that “not a single kobo has been released for the implementation of the 2026 Federal Capital Budget,” despite September marking the ninth month of the year, which should ordinarily signify the final phase of budget execution.
National Assembly's Oversight Under Fire
The CSJ did not spare the National Assembly from its criticism, accusing the legislative body of failing to exercise its constitutional oversight responsibility. The organization argued that the NASS has neglected its duty to compel the Executive arm of government to implement duly approved Appropriation Acts. “The National Assembly has failed, refused and neglected to exercise its oversight powers to compel the Executive to fully implement the capital components of the 2025 Appropriation Act and commence implementation of the 2026 Appropriation Act,” the letter stated, pointing out that this pattern has been consistent since 2023, with no budget effectively implemented within its designated fiscal year.
Economic Implications and Public Trust
The organization vehemently argued that there is no justifiable reason for these persistent delays, especially considering that government revenues have reportedly risen significantly since 2023. The lack of timely budget implementation not only stalls vital infrastructure projects, job creation initiatives, and essential public services but also erodes public trust in governance and introduces significant economic uncertainty. It creates a cycle where projects are either abandoned, face cost overruns, or are perpetually delayed, ultimately hindering the nation's progress.
Why This Matters
The CSJ's strong condemnation highlights a critical governance deficit in Nigeria, where the Executive's failure to implement approved budgets and the Legislature's lax oversight combine to undermine the rule of law and impede national development. Addressing these systemic delays is crucial for ensuring fiscal discipline, fostering economic growth, and delivering on the promises of good governance to the Nigerian populace.