FCT Budget – Capital projects receive over 76% allocation | Lawmakers praise development-focused spending plan | Satellite communities expected to benefit
The Senate of Nigeria on Thursday approved the 2026 statutory appropriation bill for the Federal Capital Territory, passing a total expenditure framework of N2.285 trillion aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, strengthening security, and expanding public services across the nation’s capital.
The approval followed the presentation and adoption of the harmonised report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Federal Capital Territory during plenary in Abuja.
Presenting the report on behalf of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Vice Chairman of the committee, Senator Austin Akobundu, said the joint committees recommended the sum of N2.285 trillion as the approved 2026 FCT Budget from an estimated revenue projection of N2.385 trillion.
According to him, the appropriation earmarked N165.7 billion for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overhead expenditure, while a substantial N1.741 trillion was dedicated to capital projects across the territory.
Akobundu noted that the structure of the FCT Budget reflected a strong emphasis on development and infrastructure delivery, with 76.19 per cent allocated to capital expenditure and 23.8 per cent devoted to recurrent spending.
“The committees met with the minister and other relevant officials of the FCTA and deliberated extensively on the subject matter,” he said, adding that the appropriation complied fully with constitutional requirements and legislative procedures.
Lawmakers who contributed during deliberations described the FCT Budget as balanced, ambitious, and capable of driving rapid infrastructural transformation within Abuja and adjoining satellite towns.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended the spending proposal, describing it as a “top-notch” budget designed to sustain ongoing development efforts in the Federal Capital Territory.
“When I see a good budget, I know it is a good budget. This is a budget that reflects commitment to infrastructure and development,” Barau stated.
“A budget of over N2.2 trillion, with more than N1.7 trillion going into capital projects, clearly shows determination to continue transforming the FCT for the benefit of residents and investors alike,” he added.
Also speaking during the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi described the FCT Budget as well-structured and responsive to concerns previously raised by lawmakers during earlier budget engagements.
The passage of the appropriation is expected to support ongoing road construction, security enhancement, urban renewal initiatives, and expansion of critical public infrastructure within the Federal Capital Territory as authorities intensify efforts to meet the demands of the rapidly growing capital city.
Visit GMTNewsng for more on FCT Budget and other news stories.