Senate Threatens Budget Blockade: Accountant-General’s 2026 Proposal Faces Standoff

The Senate has warned that it may withhold approval of the 2026 budget proposal for the Office of the Accountant‑General of the Federation, citing recurring delays in fund releases to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and the non-payment of contractors.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

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The Senate has warned that it may withhold approval of the 2026 budget proposal for the Office of the Accountant‑General of the Federation, citing recurring delays in fund releases to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and the non-payment of contractors.

The warning came during a budget defence session on Thursday with Accountant‑General Shamseldeen Ogunjimi before the Senate Committee on Finance.

Senator Sani Musa, chairman of the committee, stated firmly that the 2026 proposal would not be considered until the office provides satisfactory explanations and concrete assurances that budget implementation will improve.

“We will not take your budget until we are convinced that your office is ready to implement measures that will ensure results for Nigerians,” he said.

Lawmakers voiced frustration over what they described as poor budget execution, which has hampered government operations and left contractors unpaid. The committee reported that over ₦2.2 trillion is owed to contractors, a situation senators called unacceptable.

Senator Danladi Goje (Gombe Central) questioned the management of public funds, particularly revenues generated after the removal of the fuel subsidy and increased earnings by government‑owned enterprises. “Where is the money?” he demanded, seeking clarity on how the Federal Government has utilized the additional revenue.

Goje also noted that the National Assembly has been inundated with complaints from contractors requesting intervention, describing the situation as “embarrassing for both the legislature and the country.”

The committee highlighted that even security agencies have raised concerns over inadequate funding caused by irregular releases. In response, some senators called for a review of the government’s envelope budgeting system, arguing that it has failed to deliver expected results, while others advocated for a shift to performance‑based budgeting to ensure greater accountability and efficiency in public fund usage.

In his defence, Accountant‑General Ogunjimi asked the committee to reconsider delaying the 2026 budget proposal, explaining that his office can only disburse funds once they are formally released. He added that the delays were not entirely under his control and cited technical challenges with the government’s payment platform, while assuring lawmakers that system upgrades are underway to enhance capacity and efficiency.

Despite these explanations, the Senate maintained that it would not approve the 2026 budget proposal for the Accountant‑General’s office until the requested clarifications are provided and concrete assurances on timely fund releases and contractor payments are given.

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