Senate Approves N2.285tn FCT Budget, Allocates 76% To Capital Projects

The Senate on Thursday approved the 2026 statutory budget of the Federal Capital Territory, passing a total expenditure of N2.285tn for the administration and development of Abuja and its satellite towns.

The approval came during plenary after lawmakers considered and adopted the harmonised report prepared by the Senate and House of Representatives committees on the FCT.

The report was presented by Senator Austin Akobundu, who represented the chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai. According to the committee, the approved budget was drawn from an expected revenue projection of N2.385tn for the 2026 fiscal year.

Details of the budget showed that N165.7bn was allocated for personnel costs, while N378.2bn was set aside for overhead expenses. The largest portion of the budget, amounting to N1.741tn, was dedicated to capital projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

Lawmakers explained that the budget structure showed the government’s intention to focus heavily on infrastructure and public services. About 76 per cent of the total budget was allocated to capital projects, while recurrent spending accounted for the remaining part of the expenditure plan.

The committee stated that the budget proposal followed constitutional procedures and was prepared after discussions between members of the National Assembly committees and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The passage of the budget comes at a time when residents of Abuja and surrounding communities are demanding better roads, transportation, healthcare, security and improved public facilities due to rising population growth in many parts of the territory.

Several senators who spoke during the debate described the budget as development-driven and suitable for the growing needs of the nation’s capital.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau praised the allocation, stating that the large amount reserved for capital projects showed the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure within the FCT.

He noted that the budget reflected a strong plan for urban renewal and expansion of facilities across Abuja and nearby communities. Senator Abdul Ningi also supported the appropriation, describing it as balanced and responsive to concerns earlier raised by lawmakers during oversight visits to the FCT Administration.

After the debate, the Senate passed the appropriation bill through third reading, clearing the way for the document to be transmitted for presidential assent.

The approval comes amid growing public concern over infrastructure pressure, rising urban population and the need for more investment in roads, healthcare, water supply and transportation systems within the Federal Capital Territory.