THE Senate has threatened to withhold consideration and approval of the 2026 budget proposal for the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), citing poor fund releases to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the non-payment of contractors.
News Point Nigeria reports that the warning was issued on Thursday during a budget defence session between the Senate Committee on Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, at the National Assembly.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Sani Musa, said lawmakers would not entertain the 2026 proposal until the Accountant-General provides satisfactory assurances regarding improved budget implementation and timely disbursement of funds.
“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 declared.
Members of the committee expressed frustration over what they described as inadequate releases under the 2025 budget and outstanding liabilities carried over from 2024.
According to the panel, more than N2.2 trillion is currently owed to contractors across the country, a figure senators described as alarming and unacceptable.
Lawmakers said the non-payment of contractors has disrupted project execution nationwide and undermined public confidence in government commitments.
They also noted that the National Assembly has received numerous complaints from contractors seeking intervention over unpaid contracts.
Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) questioned the management of public funds, particularly in light of increased revenues generated from the removal of fuel subsidy and improved earnings reported by government-owned enterprises.
“Where is the money?” Goje asked pointedly, demanding clarity on the nation’s treasury and how the additional revenues have been utilised.
He described the situation as embarrassing for both the legislature and the country, especially as contractors continue to mount pressure for payment.
The committee further disclosed that even security agencies have raised concerns about inadequate funding due to poor releases, warning that the situation could have broader implications for national security.
Lawmakers stressed that poor budget implementation has significantly hampered government operations across sectors, including infrastructure, health, education and security.
In addition to questioning fund releases, senators called for an urgent review of the Federal Government’s envelope budgeting system, arguing that it has failed to deliver expected results.
They advocated a shift to a performance-based budgeting model to improve accountability, efficiency and measurable outcomes.
According to members of the committee, such a reform would ensure that budgetary allocations translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
The Senate maintained that it would not proceed with consideration of the Accountant-General’s 2026 budget proposal until credible explanations are provided and concrete measures are outlined to address the challenges identified.
In his response, Accountant-General Shamseldeen Ogunjimi appealed to lawmakers to reconsider their decision.
He explained that his office can only disburse funds that are formally released to it, indicating that the delays were not entirely within his control.
Ogunjimi also revealed that the government’s payment platform had experienced technical challenges, which contributed to delays in processing payments.
However, he assured the committee that the platform is currently undergoing expansion and upgrades to enhance its capacity and operational efficiency.
Despite his explanations, lawmakers insisted that stronger assurances and improved performance are required before the 2026 budget proposal for the OAGF can be entertained.
The standoff underscores growing legislative scrutiny of budget implementation and public finance management, as the Senate signals a tougher stance on accountability and fiscal discipline.