The Senate on Thursday approved the N2.285 trillion 2026 budget proposal for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), with lawmakers commending FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for what they described as impactful infrastructural development across Abuja.
The approval followed consideration of a report presented by the Senate Committee on the FCT during plenary.
Presenting the report, Vice Chairman of the committee, Senator Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), disclosed that N1.741 trillion, representing about 76 per cent of the total budget, was allocated to capital expenditure.
According to him, N165.7 billion was earmarked for personnel costs, while N378.231 billion was proposed for overhead expenditure.
Akobundu explained that the budget was largely designed to sustain ongoing infrastructure projects and provide essential services across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
“The budget proposal focuses majorly on infrastructure development in the FCT and provision of required utilities and facilities for residents across the six Area Councils,” he said.
He added that while the capital component accounted for 76.1 per cent of the budget estimate, the combined personnel and overhead costs stood at N544.6 billion, representing about 23 per cent of the total budget.
Several senators who contributed to the debate urged speedy approval of the proposal, saying the current administration in the FCT had demonstrated commitment to development through visible projects across the territory.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North), particularly praised Wike for what he described as impressive performance in Abuja.
“Mr President, the report presented to us for consideration and approval should be approved without hesitation,” Barau said.
“The FCT Minister is doing wonderful work in the territory through implementation of budgets of impact and development on a yearly basis.
“We need to commend him for practically showing willingness to continue to build the FCT and urge him not to waver in making Abuja one of the best cities in the world,” he added.
Following the approval of the appropriation bill for third reading, the Senate also requested the FCTA to provide its projected revenue profile for the 2026 fiscal year.
