The House of Representatives has approved N68.30 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year, N9.08 trillion higher than President Bola Tinubu’s original request of N58.47 trillion.

The decision follows the consideration and adoption of the report from the House Committee on Appropriation, chaired by Abubakar Kabir, a member from Kano State.

After months of legislative work, Kabir presented the committee’s report, outlining adjustments to the 2026 Appropriation Bill and its financing framework in line with the President’s request.

Key strategic interventions include N7.71 trillion in legacy capital obligations from the 2025 budget and N2 trillion for priority capital projects that were omitted from the rollover into the 2026 budget, Kabir explained.

At the committee of supply, members passed the clause-by-clause report through voice votes.

The approved budget allocates N4.79 trillion for statutory transfers, N15.80 trillion for debt servicing, N15.41 trillion for recurrent non-debt expenditure, and N32.26 trillion to the development fund for capital projects.

Notable allocations include N2.69 trillion for the Ministry of Defence, N1.27 trillion for the Ministry of Police Affairs, and N1.01 trillion for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The House also approved President Tinubu’s request for a N5 billion loan from Abu Dhabi Bank to establish a structured total return swap external financing programme in support of the federal government’s funding and fiscal liquidity management.

Additionally, a $1.94 billion loan for the rehabilitation of Lagos Port Complex and Tin-Can Port Complex received approval.

Members further endorsed the extension of the implementation of the capital components of the 2025 budget from March 31st to June 30th, 2026.

The House adjourned plenary to 21 April 2026.