From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, May 23, passed the 2024 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Statutory Appropriation Budget, approving a total expenditure of ₦1.76 trillion following the bill’s third reading. The figure represents a ₦60 billion increase over the initial ₦1.7 trillion proposal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The passage followed the presentation and adoption of the harmonised report of the joint Senate and House Committees on FCT, led by the Senator Samson Kumbo (APC, Yobe). The budget was crafted after extensive consultations with the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and other senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
According to the report, the budget will be financed through projected internally generated revenue and statutory federal allocations. The breakdown is as follows:
– Personnel Costs: ₦150 billion.35 billion (8.3%29%)
– Overhead Costs: ₦350 billion.03 billion (19.4%)41%)
– Capital Expenditure: ₦1.31 trillion (70.31%)
This allocation reflects a strong focus on capital development, with ₦1.2 trillion earmarked for infrastructure and capital projects across the FCT.
Lawmakers laud Minister, emphasise development impact
During the deliberation, lawmakers commended the FCT Minister for his commitment to reshaping the capital city. Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), the Senate Chief Whip, praised the heavy capital focus:
“I am particularly impressed that over 70% of the resources are directed to capital expenditure. This will uplift the living standards of residents. I urge other tiers of government to emulate this approach.”
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), also applauded the ongoing transformation of the FCT:
“The FCT has never been this vibrant. Roads are being built, sanitation is improving. This budget clearly shows the Minister’s vision of bringing Abuja to global standards.”
The Senate had earlier dissolved into the Committee of Supply to consider the bill clause by clause. Upon returning to plenary, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved the motion for the third reading, which was adopted unanimously.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks after the bill’s passage, expressed appreciation for the swift and diligent handling of the appropriation process:
“I commend the Joint National Assembly Committee on FCT for their expedited review and professionalism. The progress we are witnessing in the FCT under Minister Wike is commendable. May this level of development be replicated in other states.”
The Acting Senate Clerk, Andrew Nwoba, officially read the bill for the third time, marking its final legislative approval.
With its passage, the 2024 FCT budget is expected to bolster infrastructure, public services, and sustainable urban development in Abuja.