Abuja: The Senate has approved the 2026 Statutory Appropriation Bill for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sanctioning a total expenditure of N2.285 trillion for the administration and development of the nation’s capital.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the passage occurred following the presentation and consideration of the harmonised report from the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Federal Capital Territory during a plenary session in Abuja. The report was presented by Austin Akobundu, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, on behalf of the Committee Chairman Ibrahim Bomai.
Akobundu stated that the committees recommended N2.285 trillion as the FCT statutory budget for 2026, based on a projected revenue estimate of N2.385 trillion. He detailed that the budget allocates N165.7 billion for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overhead expenditure, and N1.741 trillion for capital projects throughout the territory.
He further elaborated that 76.19 per cent of the total allocation is earmarked for capital expenditure, with the remaining 23.8 per cent designated for recurrent expenditure. Akobundu emphasized that the appropriation aligns with constitutional provisions and followed thorough consultations between the joint committees and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Akobundu noted, ‘The committees met with the minister and other relevant officials of the FCTA and deliberated extensively on the subject matter.’
Lawmakers engaged in the debate described the budget as balanced and development-oriented, anticipating its potential to enhance infrastructure growth and security within Abuja and its satellite communities. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin praised the budget, highlighting its reflection of a strong commitment towards infrastructural transformation in the Federal Capital Territory.
Jibrin remarked, ‘Mr President, the budget is top notch. You know, I am the only one in the history of the legislature in this country that had the opportunity to serve as chairman appropriation committee in the House and in the Senate. So when I see a good budget, I know it’s a good budget. It is a budget that’s top notch. We have to commend the FCT minister for doing a very good job.’
Abdul Ningi also contributed to the debate, describing the budget as well-packaged and balanced, particularly in light of observations previously raised by the Senate Committee on the FCT during past budget reviews.