The lifespan of Nigeria’s National Conference will be extended after all.

Justice Idris Kutigi, its Chairman announced on Thursday morning that the Federal Government has agreed to extend the period of the ongoing national conference by four weeks.

The announcement confirmed speculations three weeks ago that the conference which has gulped N7billion in paid allowances to 492 delegates and secretariat staff, would be extended, beyond the allotted three months, as the various committees did not look likely to submit their reports on time.

Justice Kutigi informed the delegates this morning that the leadership of the Conference met with the Secretary to the Federal Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim on Wednesday night to ask for a six week extension.

He however said government approved only four weeks extension for the Conference.

President Goodluck Jonathan had inaugurated the National Conference which was expected to have a three months tenure on 17 March.

To fast track the its work, delegates to the National Conference also agreed to start resuming by 9 am on Monday, one hour earlier than the 10 am fixed for resumption before now.