The Nigerian Senate has threatened to recommend zero allocation for the Office of the Accountant-General in the 2026 budget.
The lawmakers cited persistent delays in fund releases to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as unpaid contractors nationwide.
The warning came during a budget defence session before the Senate Committee on Finance on Thursday.
The committee, chaired by Sani Musa, declined to consider the 2026 proposal presented by the Accountant-General, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
The Senators said complaints over poor implementation of the 2025 budget and outstanding liabilities from 2024 remained unresolved.
Musa told the agency’s head that the committee would not proceed until it received firm assurances of improved performance.
He stressed that public funds must translate into visible services and timely payments for Nigerians.
The panel disclosed that contractors were owed more than N2.2 trillion, describing the figure as alarming.
The Senators said the backlog has stalled projects and undermined confidence in government commitments.
Danjuma Goje questioned the management of increased revenues following fuel subsidy removal.
He also demanded clarity on earnings reported by government-owned enterprises that exceeded projections.
“Where is the money?” Goje asked, calling for transparency on the state of the treasury.
The lawmakers said the National Assembly has received repeated petitions from contractors seeking intervention.
They described the situation as embarrassing and damaging to Nigeria’s credibility.
The committee added, also raised concerns over inadequate releases.
The senators called for a review of the envelope budgeting system, saying it has failed to deliver results.
They proposed a shift to performance-based budgeting to promote accountability and efficiency.
The Senate insisted it would not entertain the 2026 proposal until satisfactory explanations are provided.
In response, Ogunjimi appealed for reconsideration of the committee’s stance.
He argued that his office can only disburse funds formally released to it.
The Accountant-General said some delays were beyond his direct control.
He also disclosed that the government’s payment platform experienced technical challenges.
According to him, the platform is being expanded and upgraded to improve efficiency.
The standoff sets the stage for further scrutiny as the 2026 budget process unfolds.
