Senate approves N2.285tn FCT budget with heavy focus on infrastructure projects

The Senate has approved the 2026 statutory budget of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), passing a total expenditure plan of N2.285 trillion aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and improving public services across Abuja and surrounding satellite communities.

The budget was passed during Thursday’s plenary following the presentation and adoption of the harmonised report of the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the FCT.

The report was presented by Senator Austin Akobundu, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, on behalf of the committee chairman, Senator Ibrahim Bomai.

According to Akobundu, the committees approved the N2.285 trillion budget based on a projected revenue estimate of N2.385 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year.

He explained that the budget allocates N165.7 billion for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overhead expenses, while the largest portion, N1.741 trillion, is dedicated to capital projects.

The lawmaker noted that the structure of the budget reflects a strong emphasis on physical development, with 76.19 per cent earmarked for capital expenditure and 23.8 per cent set aside for recurrent spending.

Akobundu said the appropriation process complied with constitutional provisions and followed extensive engagements between lawmakers and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

“The committees met with the minister and other relevant officials of the FCTA and deliberated extensively on the subject matter,” he said during the presentation.

Several lawmakers who spoke during deliberations described the budget as ambitious, balanced and capable of driving significant infrastructural transformation within the nation’s capital.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin praised the spending plan, describing it as one of the strongest FCT budgets presented in recent years.

“Mr President, the budget is top-notch,” Barau said, noting his experience as a former appropriation committee chairman in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

“A budget that you have a total of N2.2 trillion, and out of this, N1.7 trillion is going for capital. It shows willingness and determination to continue to show FCT to the admiration of all,” he added.

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Senator Abdul Ningi also commended the proposal, describing it as well-structured and reflective of recommendations earlier raised during previous budget oversight sessions.

The approval comes amid ongoing infrastructure expansion projects in Abuja under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whose administration has prioritised road construction, urban renewal, security upgrades and the development of satellite towns.

Analysts say the unusually high capital allocation signals the federal government’s intention to fast-track Abuja’s transformation as political pressure mounts for improved infrastructure, housing, transportation and public utilities within the rapidly growing capital city.

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