The Federal Government says it will present the 2027 budget proposal to the National Assembly this September as part of efforts to improve the budget cycle and tackle persistent implementation challenges.

The announcement was made by the Budget Office of the Federation on Saturday in Abuja during an update on preparations for the 2027 fiscal year.

According to the Office, the early submission is in line with the government’s commitment to returning the country to a January-December budget calendar and ensuring timely implementation.

The Budget Office disclosed that the 2027 and 2029 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, were concluded in July to guide the preparation of the budget.

The MTEF/FSP document outlines the government’s economic assumptions, revenue projections, and expenditure priorities for the medium term.

To meet the timeline, the Office has fixed Thursday, September 18, 2026, as the deadline for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to submit their 2027 personnel budget proposals.

MDAs are also required to submit the laws establishing them alongside the personnel proposals to enable proper costing and alignment with government policy.

The Budget Office directed all MDAs to validate their payrolls against the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS, and the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, GIFMIS.

It warned that only validated personnel costs would be captured in the 2027 budget, stressing that discrepancies must be reconciled before submission.

The Office also cautioned against unauthorized recruitment and payment of salaries outside the approved payroll platforms.

It said the directive is aimed at curbing ghost workers, salary leakages and budget padding which have affected previous budget implementation cycles.

Officials said early engagement with the National Assembly will give lawmakers more time for scrutiny and allow the government to commence capital projects at the start of the year.

The Budget Office reiterated that adherence to the September 18 deadline is mandatory, adding that late submissions will not be accommodated in the 2027 estimates.

With the 2027 budget process now in motion, the government hopes the reforms will lead to better planning, improved service delivery, and greater accountability in public finance management.