Manny Ita –
The Federal Government has set a firm March 31 deadline for the completion of all 2025 capital projects, in a decisive move aimed at ending the long-standing practice of budget rollovers that has contributed to widespread project abandonment across the country.
Officials say the directive is part of a broader fiscal reform agenda designed to ensure that the 2026 budget cycle begins on a “clean slate” from April 1, marking a shift toward stricter discipline in public financial management.
A senior government official familiar with the policy explained that the move seeks to address inefficiencies that have plagued successive budgets. “For years, we have operated a system where capital projects spill over endlessly into new fiscal cycles, creating what is effectively a ‘multiple budget’ regime. This directive is to bring that to an end,” the official said.
The policy requires all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to finalize ongoing capital expenditures within the stipulated timeline or risk forfeiting unutilized allocations. Authorities believe this will compel MDAs to improve project planning, execution, and accountability.
“This is about restoring credibility to the budgeting process,” the official added. “Projects must be completed within their approved timelines. The era of indefinite extensions and abandoned sites must give way to efficiency and results.”
Analysts note that Nigeria has long struggled with incomplete infrastructure projects due to funding inconsistencies, bureaucratic delays, and shifting government priorities. The new deadline is expected to force a more results-driven approach, though concerns remain about the feasibility of completing all projects within the limited timeframe.
Government sources insist that the decision is both necessary and achievable, pointing to ongoing efforts to accelerate project delivery and streamline disbursement processes. “We understand the challenges, but this is a deliberate policy shift. It sends a clear message that fiscal indiscipline will no longer be tolerated,” another official said.
The reform also aligns with plans to recalibrate the country’s fiscal calendar, ensuring that each budget cycle is self-contained and not weighed down by unresolved commitments from previous years.
Stakeholders in the construction and public procurement sectors have reacted cautiously, acknowledging the intent behind the policy while urging the government to provide adequate support to contractors and agencies to meet the deadline.
“This could be a turning point if properly implemented,” a project consultant said. “But timelines must be matched with prompt funding and reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks, otherwise the risk of rushed or compromised execution could arise.”
Despite these concerns, the government maintains that the March 31 cutoff is non-negotiable, emphasizing that the success of the reform depends on strict adherence across all levels of implementation. “We are determined to start the 2026 fiscal year without the baggage of unfinished business,” the official stated.
