Nigeria’s 2026 Budget: Lawmakers Grill State House and Special Duties Ministry Over Spending Plans

Abuja, Nigeria – 18 February 2026 — Nigeria’s federal lawmakers have intensified scrutiny of government spending, as the House Committee on Special Duties presided over a key budget defence session involving the State House and the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.

The session, chaired by Fred Agbedi, focused on reviewing 2025 budget performance and examining 2026 spending proposals.

The committee meeting forms part of the National Assembly’s broader constitutional responsibility to oversee executive spending and ensure accountability in public finance.

Representatives of both institutions appeared before lawmakers to justify their expenditure patterns and outline priorities for the coming fiscal year.

The Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs was led by Zephaniah Jisalo, who presented the ministry’s budget performance and projections.

The State House delegation was represented by Permanent Secretary Temitope Peter Fashedemi, who addressed questions on operational and administrative spending.

Lawmakers examined expenditure trends, programme implementation rates and alignment with national development goals.

Committee members raised questions about fiscal discipline and value for money in key budget lines.

The review also considered whether proposed allocations reflect current economic realities and government priorities.

The hearing comes amid heightened public interest in government spending and transparency.

Nigeria has faced economic pressures in recent years, increasing calls for tighter oversight of public resources.

Members of the committee stressed the importance of measurable outcomes tied to budgetary allocations.

Officials were asked to clarify implementation frameworks for major projects and programmes.

The session also examined coordination between federal institutions to avoid duplication of responsibilities.

Lawmakers indicated that future approvals would depend on satisfactory responses to queries raised.

Observers note that budget defence sessions have become increasingly rigorous in recent assemblies.

Parliamentary oversight is widely seen as central to strengthening institutional accountability.

The committee is expected to compile its findings and recommendations ahead of plenary consideration.

The 2026 budget proposals will undergo further legislative review before final approval.

Analysts say the outcome of the scrutiny process could shape funding priorities for key federal institutions in the year ahead.