SENATE THREATENS TO WITHHOLD APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTANT-GENERAL’S 2026 BUDGET OVER FUND RELEASE DELAYS
The Senate has threatened to withhold approval of the 2026 budget proposal for the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, citing persistent delays in the release of funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the non-payment of contractors.
Naija News reports that the warning was issued on Thursday during a budget defence session with the Accountant-General, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, before the Senate Committee on Finance.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Sani Musa, stated that the proposal would not be considered until the office provides satisfactory explanations and firm assurances regarding improved budget implementation.
“We are not going to take your budget until we are satisfied that your office is ready to do things that will make things work for Nigerians through expected assurances from you,” Musa said.
Lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as poor budget execution, which they said has disrupted government operations and left contractors unpaid. The committee disclosed that more than ₦2.2 trillion is currently owed to contractors, a development senators described as unacceptable.
Senator Danladi Goje (Gombe Central) questioned the management of public funds, particularly revenues realised after the removal of fuel subsidy and improved earnings by government-owned enterprises.
“Where is the money?” Goje asked, noting that the National Assembly has received numerous complaints from contractors seeking intervention. He described the situation as embarrassing for both the legislature and the country.
The committee also revealed that some security agencies have raised concerns about inadequate funding due to irregular releases.
In response to the challenges, lawmakers called for an urgent review of the government’s envelope budgeting system, arguing that it has failed to deliver expected outcomes. Some senators advocated a shift to performance-based budgeting to improve accountability and efficiency in public fund utilisation.
In his defence, Accountant-General Ogunjimi appealed to the committee to reconsider its stance, explaining that his office can only disburse funds that are formally released to it and that some delays were beyond his direct control.
He also disclosed that technical issues had affected the government’s payment platform but assured lawmakers that upgrades are underway to enhance its capacity and efficiency.
Despite the explanations, the Senate maintained that approval of the 2026 budget proposal for the Office of the Accountant-General would remain on hold until satisfactory answers and concrete assurances are provided regarding improved fund releases and payment of contractors.
