The Senate has threatened to refuse approval of the 2026 budget proposal for the Office of the Accountant‑General of the Federation, citing persistent delays in fund releases to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the failure to pay contractors.

Naija News reports that the warning came on Thursday during a budget defence session with the Accountant‑General, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, before the Senate Committee on Finance.

Chairman of the committee, Senator Sani Musa, made it clear that the 2026 proposal would not be considered until the office provides satisfactory explanations and assurances on improved budget implementation.

“We are not going to take your budget until we are satisfied that your office is ready to do things that will make things work for Nigerians through expected assurances from you,” he said.

Lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as poor budget execution, which they said has crippled government operations and left contractors unpaid.

The committee revealed that over ₦2.2 trillion is owed to contractors, a situation senators described as unacceptable.

Senator Danladi Goje (Gombe Central) questioned the handling of public funds, especially revenues generated after the removal of fuel subsidy and improved earnings by government‑owned enterprises.

“Where is the money?” he asked, demanding clarity on the utilisation of increased revenues realised by the Federal Government.

Goje added that the National Assembly has been inundated with complaints from contractors seeking intervention.

“This is embarrassing for both the legislature and the country,” he said.

The Senate committee noted that even security agencies have raised alarms over inadequate funding due to irregular releases.

In the face of these concerns, lawmakers called for an urgent review of the government’s envelope budgeting system, arguing that it has failed to deliver expected outcomes.

Some senators urged a shift to a performance‑based budgeting model to enhance accountability and efficiency in the utilisation of public funds.

In his defence, Accountant‑General Shamseldeen Ogunjimi appealed to the committee to reconsider its decision to delay consideration of the 2026 proposal.

He explained that his office could only disburse funds that are formally released to it, stressing that the delays were not entirely within his control.

Ogunjimi also revealed that the government’s payment platform had experienced technical challenges, but assured lawmakers that upgrades and expansions are underway to improve capacity and efficiency.

Despite the Accountant‑General’s explanations, the Senate maintained that it would not proceed with the approval of the 2026 budget proposal for his office until satisfactory answers are given and concrete assurances provided on improved fund release and contractor payment.