On Friday, December 19, 2025, Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, formally commenced the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint sitting of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the country’s bicameral legislature, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital city.
The President arrived at the chamber at 3:01 pm under tight security arrangements and was received by the leadership of both chambers of the legislature, including members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. His arrival marked the official beginning of the 2026 federal budget process, a constitutionally required annual exercise that outlines government spending and revenue plans.
The joint session opened shortly after with a prayer delivered at 3:05 pm by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, a lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District under Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress political party.
Several state governors from across the country were present at the joint sitting, reflecting the nationwide importance of the fiscal presentation. Among those in attendance were the governors of Imo State, Ogun State, Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State, Rivers State, Delta State, Niger State, Lagos State, and Kwara State, each representing different geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Also present at the session were Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, senior cabinet ministers, top government officials, and principal officers of the National Assembly. The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Nigeria’s ruling political party, joined other party leaders and political stakeholders for the event.
Okay News reports that the 2026 budget proposal is expected to clearly spell out the Federal Government’s spending priorities, revenue expectations, and key economic policy directions for the next fiscal year. The budget is anticipated to place strong emphasis on economic stability, sustained growth, infrastructure development, and the continuation of ongoing reforms under the Tinubu administration.
During the session, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, began delivering his welcome address at 3:13 pm. According to him, the 2026 fiscal proposal is designed as a budget of national renewal, aimed at repositioning the country’s economy.
Further details of the budget presentation are expected to emerge as proceedings continue.
