By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Senate has passed the N2.285 trillion 2026 Statutory Appropriation Bill for the Federal Capital Territory, with over N1.7 trillion earmarked for capital projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and development across Abuja and the satellite towns.
The approval followed the adoption of the harmonised report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the FCT during the plenary.
Presenting the report, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Austin Akobundu, said the 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 overheads, while N1.741 trillion, representing over 76 per cent of the budget, was dedicated to capital expenditure.
Akobundu noted that the proposal complied with constitutional provisions and followed extensive consultations with officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
Lawmakers unanimously described the budget as balanced and development-driven.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended the FCT Minister for presenting a well-structured budget capable of transforming the nation’s capital.
Senator Abdul Ningi also described the budget as well-packaged and balanced, noting that it would further enhance the security of lives and property in the FCT.
Meanwhile, Senators Tahir Monguno and Sani Musa, while supporting the passage of the budget, called for the inclusion of detailed revenue sources to encourage transparency and accountability.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the FCT Minister for the visible development and transformation across the territory, while also supporting calls for the inclusion of revenue sources in the budget details.
