The proposed 2026 statutory budget for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) passed its second reading in the Senate. Lawmakers voted to advance the ₦2.201 trillion appropriation bill, which outlines the FCT’s financial plan from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
The fiscal document allocates a substantial portion of its resources to physical development and personnel. The breakdown includes:
- Capital Expenditure: ₦1.6 trillion (the largest share)
- Overhead Costs: ₦378 billion
- Personnel Costs: ₦165.8 billion
Leading the debate, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) emphasized that the budget is designed to sustain the momentum of ongoing infrastructure projects. He noted that the funds would specifically target the expansion of public utilities, the development of satellite towns, and improvements in waste management systems across the capital city.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin voiced strong support for the bill, praising its “well-structured” focus on education and road networks. He also took the opportunity to commend FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for the visible transformation of Abuja’s landscape.
However, some lawmakers, including Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos Central), cautioned that the Senate must still conduct a meticulous review of the revenue sources and the specific breakdown of line items to ensure fiscal discipline.
The 2026 FCT budget proposal was officially sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday. Unlike Nigeria’s 36 states, the FCT’s budget is subject to federal legislative approval because it is administered directly by the central government.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has referred the bill to the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory and Area Councils. The committee is expected to conduct detailed scrutiny and report back to the plenary within one week for final consideration and passage.
