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From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The Senate on Tuesday expressed optimism that the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has the potential of surpassing Lagos state’s monthly 50 Billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
With references to harnessing revenue-yielding sources, revenue targets and blockage of all loopholes and the utilisation of its status as the seat of power the Lawmakers said that FCT could overtake Lagos in Revenue Generation.
The propositions were discussed at the inaugural meeting of the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory chaired by Senator Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai (Yobe South). The Lawmakers composed of members of the committee agreed to explore means through which the nation’s capital can boost its IGR.
The necessity to review or update the 1979 Master Plan to conform to the present realities was also proposed at the meeting. The Lawmakers concurred that it is imperative to carry out the exercise so that the city can conform with not just current infrastructural standards but also security.
The Senators also resolved to assist the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike achieve his reforms in the overall interest of the residents.
In his opening remark, Bomai gave assurances that the committee under his leadership will signify an era of successes in the working relationship between the FCT Administration and the National Assembly.
Based on Section 299 (a) – (c) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, Bomai noted that the National Assembly plays the dual role of being the “State Assembly” of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as the Legislative Arm of the Government of the Federation.
He said; “it is absolutely important to note that the oversight function as Legislators is contained in the Senate Standing Orders and also enshrined in Section 299 (a) – (c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
From the foregoing the Lawmaker stated that it is imperative to clearly state that the functions of FCT as a State overwhelmed its function as a Ministry.
Accordingly, Bomai asserted that the nation’s capital is being governed as a state and Federal Ministry with two separate budgets.
He explained; “The FCT operates two separate budgets: the FCT National Budget and the FCT Statutory Budget. Considering also is the barrage of Schools, Hospitals, Markets, and other functions as it is obtained in other States of the Federation.
Moreover, Bomai pointed out that the Minister of FCT is the only Minister that performs dual responsibility.
He said; “He attends the Federal Executive Council with other ministers and the Council of State meeting with Governors. This is the main reason why the Federal Capital Territory has a special status.
Urging his colleagues to protect the rights of Abuja residents and Nigerians at large Bomai assured that they will not be unmindful of the numerous administrative and social responsibilities of the FCT Administration and the need to collectively address such issues, some of which are constitutional hiccups.
Inorder to increase FCT’S IGR Bomai held that it is important to blockage of revenue leakages and to also implement the FCT Act passed by the 9th Senate. He bemoaned that the FCT gets just 1% from the Federal government’s allocation.
“There are lots of gaps in the financing infrastructure in Abuja. This committee will brainstorm on ways to achieve this. The statutory budget of the FCT is just one percent meaning that the FCT gets 1% share of the Allocation of the FG.
“From my experience the major challenge is the financial gap. There’s no reason the FCT can’t generate a revenue of 50 Billion monthly like Lagos or even more. If we can implement the FCT Act that was passed in the 9th Senate we can achieve the target, Bomai stressed.
Like other Senators in attendance Infrastructure and Security were of major concern to Senator Sani Senator Sani Musa (Niger East).The Senator said that FCT needs to live up to its status as the face of Nigeria urging the committee to draw up an action plan.
For Senator Sadiku Abubakar Ohere (Kogi Central) the FCT master plan is long due to be reviewed to reflect current dynamics of infrastructure and future development.
He said ; “Over time we have heard of this Abuja Master plan but I don’t know the reference used in drawing it. If we are still using our scope of knowledge we will be thinking that we are progressing. The 1990 Master plan should be reviewed so it can be inline with current realities , especially to create room for sustainable development.
Both Senator Fasuyi Cyril Oluwole (Ekiti North) and Senator Gbenga Daniel ( Ogun East) prescribed for the committee to hold a meeting with the FCT Minister with a view of brainstorming means of increasing the FCT’s IGR to be at par with Lagos state’s 50 Billion or more.
“If Lagos is doing 50 Billion monthly despite not being the nation’s capital then Abuja should be able to do so if not more, ” Gbenga said.
Senator Fasuyi Cyril Oluwole (Ekiti North) urged the Senate to protect Nyesom Wike from resistance attacks by persons against the FCT reforms while Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North) said the FCT wasn’t doing enough to utilise its advantage as a nation’s seat of power.
