The House of Representatives has passed President Bola Tinubu’s ₦58.4 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill without debate, triggering fresh concerns over legislative oversight and the growing dominance of the executive arm of government.
The budget was approved in a swift session that departed from established parliamentary practice, as lawmakers endorsed the spending plan without the usual extensive deliberations, scrutiny of allocations, or opportunity for amendments on the floor of the House.
While proponents of the accelerated passage argue that it allows for early implementation of government programmes and prevents delays in fiscal planning, critics say the process weakens the legislature’s constitutional role as a check on executive power. They warn that bypassing debate limits transparency and reduces lawmakers’ ability to interrogate budget priorities, revenue projections, and sectoral allocations.
Policy analysts and civil society groups have also raised concerns that the move reflects a broader trend of shrinking legislative independence, cautioning that effective governance requires rigorous debate and accountability, particularly for a budget of such scale.
The federal government has maintained that the 2026 budget is aimed at driving economic growth, strengthening infrastructure, and expanding social interventions, insisting that early approval will support smoother execution by ministries, departments, and agencies.
Shopeju Olateju
NaijaTravels News