Senate Sets March 17 for Passage of ₦58.47tn 2026 Budget

By Anayo Akwitti

The Senate has scheduled Tuesday, March 17, 2026, for the final consideration and passage of the ₦58.472 trillion 2026 budget.

The Senate Committee on Appropriations announced the timetable on Friday, confirming that February 2–13 has been set aside for committee-level consideration of the budget estimates.

To ensure an inclusive process, the committee fixed Monday, February 9, 2026, for a public hearing on the budget proposal.

According to the Chairman, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Ogun West), Prof. Wasiu Adeoye, an economist from the University of Lagos, will deliver a PowerPoint presentation at the session.

The committee also approved Thursday, March 5, 2026, for an interactive meeting between senators and key Federal Government economic managers, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.

Senator Adeola further disclosed that February 16–23, 2026, has been set for the submission of budget-defence reports by various committee chairmen.

The Appropriations Committee will present its final report to the Senate on March 17.

He noted that the Senate initially wanted the budget passed by March 12, but he secured an additional week to allow for meticulous scrutiny.

Hard copies of the 2026 budget have been printed and distributed to chairmen and members of standing committees.

The committee adopted the timetable following a motion by Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), seconded by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North).