…Says 85% of Capital Funds Target Inherited Projects
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday defended the FCT Administration’s proposed 2025 statutory budget of ₦1.78 trillion before the Senate Committees on FCT and FCT Area Councils, emphasizing that 85% of the capital allocation is earmarked for completing ongoing and inherited projects across the Territory.
Presenting the proposal at the National Assembly, Wike explained that the budget is structured to prioritize infrastructural continuity, service delivery, and fiscal responsibility, especially in both city and satellite areas.
“Eighty-five percent of the capital budget is for completing projects we inherited—some dating back to 2010. It doesn’t matter who awarded them. What matters is who completes them,” he stated.
The budget includes ₦1.29 trillion for capital expenditure (72.33%) and ₦494 billion for recurrent spending, aligning with global best practices that favor investment in infrastructure.
Wike, joined by Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud and senior FCTA officials, commended the National Assembly’s support, attributing the FCTA’s 85% budget performance in 2024 to legislative collaboration.
Using a local proverb, Wike said, “If the monkey jumps, it’s because the tree is close. What you see happening in the FCT is due to the synergy between this committee and the administration.”
He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved a 19-day window for commissioning completed projects across key sectors such as transportation, education, and public services, including in satellite towns like Gwagwalada, Kwali, Abaji, and AMAC.
Highlighting the new National Conference Centre as a major milestone, Wike urged lawmakers to attend its unveiling. “We can’t be the giant of Africa by mouth alone. Our infrastructure must reflect it,” he said, referencing past embarrassment during the ECOWAS Parliament event at the aging International Conference Centre.
Wike also clarified FCT revenue streams, distinguishing between distributable funds and restricted inflows such as the China Exim Bank loan for the Abuja Light Rail and the UBEC counterpart fund.
Compared to the ₦1.66 trillion revised 2024 budget, the 2025 proposal is higher by ₦115 billion, driven by stronger revenue performance. Personnel costs also rose slightly—from ₦140 billion to ₦150 billion—due to promotions and new appointments.
The Minister assured lawmakers of formal invitations to project commissioning events but stressed that their oversight role already earned them a central place in the FCT’s success.
“Even if you visit unannounced, you’ll see this isn’t TV talk. This is real service,” he said.
Senate Endorses Completion-Focused Budget
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Ibrahim Bomai, commended the FCTA’s record 85% budget implementation in 2024.
He highlighted that ₦1.089 trillion—85% of the capital allocation—is directed toward ongoing projects, with only ₦200.77 billion set aside for new initiatives, confirming the administration’s focus on project completion.
“This is a budget of consolidation. We must prioritize completing what has already begun over initiating new white-elephant projects,” he said.
Bomai thanked the Ministers and FCT officials for their transparency and commitment, pledging the Senate’s continued support through diligent oversight.
The Senate will continue reviewing the proposal before forwarding its recommendations to the Appropriation Committee for inclusion in the national budget.
