Lawmakers Assure Quicker Contractor Payments, Accelerated 2026 Budget Passage

In a decisive move to address lingering payment delays and tighten budget timelines, the leadership of the National Assembly of Nigeria has committed to advancing both contractor disbursements and the passage of the 2026 appropriation.

The initiative was underscored by Senate President Ahmad Lawan during recent discussions with officials and contractors.

Officials say the emphasis on prompt payments is part of the federal government’s ongoing reform agenda to boost economic confidence and ensure value for money in public‑contracts. Lawan highlighted that unresolved obligations to local firms were hurting the wider economy, and pledged to expedite payment of executed contracts.

According to parliamentary sources, the House of Representatives has already demanded that the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office of the Federation settle outstanding liabilities within a seven‑day timeframe. This applies to projects carried out under the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

At the same time, the Assembly signalled its intention to fast‑track the submission, deliberation and approval of the 2026 budget.

The rationale is to avoid repeated delays and ensure seamless transition between fiscal years, thereby reducing disruptions to capital projects and government operations.

Observers note that previous budget cycles have suffered late passage and implementation bottlenecks.

Stakeholders in the contracting community welcomed the statement, citing prolonged payment arrears that have threatened cash‑flows, job creation and project completions. Legislative aides indicated that mechanisms will be established to track payments, enforce compliance and provide transparency around outstanding contractor debts.

Nevertheless, some analysts caution that for the commitments to translate into tangible outcomes, further actions will be required: timely budget releases, strengthened oversight, credible verification of contract completions, and robust coordination between the legislative and executive arms.

Failure to adhere to the timeline risks eroding trust once more in the budget‑implementation process.

In summary, the Assembly’s twin push faster payments to contractors and accelerated approval of the 2026 budget aims to clear build‑up of arrears and restore momentum to Nigeria’s public‑investment agenda.

The coming weeks will test whether declarations are backed by substance and whether the reforms bear fruit for contractors, government and the broader economy.