The Senate has approved the 2026 Statutory Appropriation Bill for the Federal Capital Territory, endorsing a total expenditure of N2.285 trillion aimed at boosting development and administration in Abuja and surrounding satellite towns.
The approval followed the presentation and adoption of the harmonised report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the FCT. The report was presented by the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central, on behalf of the committee chairman, Senator Ibrahim Bomai of Yobe Central.
According to Akobundu, the approved budget was drawn from a projected revenue of N2.385 trillion. He explained that N165.7 billion was allocated for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overhead expenses, while a significant N1.741 trillion was reserved for capital projects.
He noted that the budget structure reflects a strong commitment to development, with 76.19 percent dedicated to capital expenditure and 23.8 percent allocated to recurrent expenditure. Akobundu added that the appropriation complied with constitutional provisions and followed extensive consultations with officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Lawmakers praised the budget during deliberations, describing it as balanced and development driven. Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau commended the FCT minister for prioritising infrastructure and security projects across Abuja and nearby communities.
Barau stated that the large allocation to capital projects demonstrates the administration’s determination to improve the nation’s capital and sustain ongoing development efforts.
Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central also described the budget as well packaged, noting that it addressed several concerns previously raised by the Senate Committee on FCT.
Leave a comment