- Senate schedules March 17 to pass ₦58.47 trillion 2026 budget
- Budget defence by MDAs runs from February 2–13
- Public hearing fixed for February 9
- Economic managers to meet Senate on March 5
The Senate has fixed March 17 for the final consideration and passage of the ₦58.47 trillion 2026 federal budget, following the approval of a detailed timetable by the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
The decision was taken on Friday during a special meeting of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West).
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Under the approved schedule, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) will defend their budget proposals at committee level between February 2 and February 13. A public hearing has also been fixed for February 9, allowing civil society groups, experts and other stakeholders to make inputs on the 2026 budget estimates.
Speaking at the meeting, Senator Adeola disclosed that Professor Wasiu Adeoye of the University of Lagos will present an independent economic analysis of the budget during the public hearing.
“The aim is to ensure proper scrutiny of the estimates and allow expert input before final approval,” Adeola said.
He further revealed that an interactive session between Senate committee members and key federal government economic managers has been scheduled for March 5. Those expected include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and other senior officials.
According to Adeola, reports from Senate standing committees on budget defence are expected to be submitted between February 16 and February 23, after which they will be harmonised ahead of presentation to the full Senate on March 17.
He noted that Senate leadership had initially proposed March 12 for the budget’s passage but extended the timeline by one week to allow for more detailed examination.
Adeola also confirmed that printed copies of the 2026 budget have been distributed to all committee chairmen and members to support thorough review.
The timetable was adopted following a motion moved by Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) and seconded by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North).
President Bola Tinubu had presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly on December 19. The budget, titled “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” is aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability, improving competitiveness, and promoting inclusive growth across Nigeria.