The Federal Government has intensified nationwide sensitization and technical engagements ahead of the 2026 budget, as the House of Representatives signals plans to pass the appropriation bill by March. This reinforces efforts to restore predictability and discipline to Nigeria’s fiscal cycle.

The ongoing four-day post-budget preparation, sensitisation and training programme is organised by the Budget Office of the Federation. It is anchored on the already approved 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

The exercise is taking place simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones and targets key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved in budget formulation and execution.

With lawmakers expected to conclude work on the budget by March, the government is under pressure to ensure that MDAs submit credible, realistic and fully compliant estimates early enough to avoid the last-minute revisions that have plagued previous budget cycles.

According to the Budget Office, the current sensitization places strong emphasis on improving MDAs’ mastery of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). This eliminates platform-related bottlenecks, and ensuring that personnel costs, overheads and capital expenditures are accurate, verifiable and aligned with national fiscal objectives.

Officials said the goal is not just faster budget passage, but better outcomes.

“This exercise is about translating policy intent into concrete budget choices, improving the credibility of submissions and strengthening execution so that citizens see real results, not just higher spending figures,” a senior budget official said.

The March passage timeline by the House is seen as critical to sustaining Nigeria’s return to a January–December budget cycle, which analysts say improves project delivery, investor confidence and fiscal coordination between the executive and legislature.

With the House of Representatives targeting March for passage, the success of the ongoing sensitisation exercise could determine whether the 2026 budget avoids the delays and implementation gaps of previous years.

Lawmakers have repeatedly stressed the need for realistic revenue projections, clearly defined capital projects and stronger accountability mechanisms.

Analysts say an early passage, backed by credible assumptions and improved execution capacity, would send a strong signal to investors and development partners. Also, the timing matters as Nigeria actively seeks to balance fiscal consolidation with growth, social spending and infrastructure expansion.

As budget hearings approach, the convergence of fiscal discipline, fintech-driven financial reform and steady market performance is shaping expectations that the 2026 budget could mark a more coordinated and execution-focused phase in Nigeria’s economic management.