Senate Passes N2.285tn FCT 2026 Budget

The Senate on Thursday passed the 2026 Statutory Appropriation Bill for the Federal Capital Territory, approving a total expenditure of N2.285 trillion for the administration and development of the nation’s capital.

The approval followed the presentation and consideration of the harmonised report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Federal Capital Territory during plenary in Abuja.

The report was presented by Austin Akobundu on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee, Ibrahim Bomai.

Presenting the report, Akobundu stated that the joint committees recommended N2.285 trillion as the statutory budget for the FCT in 2026 from a projected revenue estimate of N2.385 trillion.

He explained that the budget provides N165.7 billion for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overhead expenditure, while N1.741 trillion was earmarked for capital projects across the territory.

According to him, the budget structure indicates that 76.19 per cent of the total allocation would go to capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure accounts for 23.8 per cent.

Akobundu noted that the appropriation complied with constitutional provisions and followed extensive consultations between the joint committees and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

“The committees met with the minister and other relevant officials of the FCTA and deliberated extensively on the subject matter,” he said.

Lawmakers who contributed during the debate described the budget as balanced, development-oriented and capable of accelerating infrastructure growth and improving security within Abuja and adjoining satellite communities.

Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, commended the proposal, describing it as “top notch” and reflective of strong commitment toward infrastructural transformation in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Mr President, the budget is top notch. I am the only one in the history of the legislature in this country that had the opportunity to serve as chairman of the Appropriation Committee in both the House and the Senate.

“So when I see a good budget, I know it is a good budget. It is a budget that is top notch. We have to commend the FCT minister for doing a very good job,” he said.

Jibrin further noted that the allocation of over N1.7 trillion to capital expenditure out of the N2.2 trillion budget underscored the administration’s determination to sustain the transformation of the FCT.

“It shows his willingness and determination to continue to shape the FCT to the admiration of all,” he added.

Also contributing, Abdul Ningi described the budget as well-packaged and balanced, especially in view of observations earlier raised by the Senate Committee on the FCT during previous budget reviews.