The Senate Committee on Finance has refused to consider the 2026 budget proposal of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, citing persistent issues with budget releases and unpaid contractor liabilities. The warning was issued on Thursday during a budget defence session with Accountant-General Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
Chairing the session, Senator Sani Musa expressed frustration over what lawmakers described as poor implementation of the 2024 and 2025 budgets, which have stalled government operations and left contractors unpaid. “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,” he said.
Senators noted that over N2.2 trillion is owed to contractors, calling the situation “unacceptable.” Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) questioned the management of public funds, especially revenues from the removal of the fuel subsidy and earnings by government-owned enterprises, asking, “Where is the money?” He highlighted that the National Assembly has received numerous complaints from contractors seeking intervention over unpaid contracts, describing the scenario as embarrassing for both the legislature and the nation.
The committee also raised concerns about inadequate funding for security agencies and criticised the Federal Government’s envelope budgeting system, advocating instead for a performance-based model to improve accountability and efficiency.
In his defence, Ogunjimi appealed to the Senate to reconsider its stance, explaining that his office can only disburse funds that are formally released. He noted that technical challenges with the government’s payment platform had contributed to delays, but reassured lawmakers that the system is being upgraded to enhance efficiency and capacity.
The Senate maintained that the Accountant-General’s 2026 budget proposal would only be considered once satisfactory explanations and assurances regarding timely fund releases and improved budget implementation are provided.
