The Digest: The Senate has passed the 2026 budget after adding President Bola Tinubu's N9.3 trillion request, bringing the total figure to N68.323 trillion. The upper chamber also increased the budget by an additional N623 billion beyond the president's request. The budget was approved by voice vote after senators reviewed a report from the Appropriations Committee, with no debate or scrutiny of the president's request for additional funds. The approval came hours after President Tinubu's letter seeking an upward revision was read on the floor.
Key Points:
- The budget was increased from N58.47 trillion to N67.7 trillion by the president's request, then to N68.323 trillion by the Senate.
- Lawmakers did not question the president's request during deliberations.
- The budget includes N4.799 trillion for statutory transfers, N15.809 trillion for debt servicing, N16.427 trillion for recurrent expenditure, and N32.287 trillion for capital expenditure.
- The additional funds are aimed at completing outstanding legacy capital projects and supporting key transport projects.
- The budget was passed by voice vote without scrutiny.
As the Senate swiftly passes the 2026 budget without scrutiny, concerns may arise over legislative oversight and the handling of the president's request for additional funding.
Sources: Premium Times
