Senate passes N2.2trn FCT 2026 budget
Senate Approves N2.285 Trillion Statutory Budget for Federal Capital Territory
ABUJA—The Nigerian Senate approved the 2026 Statutory Appropriation Bill for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday, sanctioning a total expenditure of N2.285 trillion for the administration and development of the nation’s capital.
The bill’s passage followed a plenary session during which the harmonized report from the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Federal Capital Territory was presented. Austin Akobundu, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, delivered the report on behalf of Committee Chairman Ibrahim Bomai.
In his presentation, Akobundu outlined a budget that includes N165.7 billion earmarked for personnel costs, N378.2 billion for overhead expenditures, and N1.741 trillion designated for capital projects across the territory. He noted that 76.19 percent of the total budget is allocated for capital expenditure, while the remaining 23.8 percent is reserved for recurrent expenses.
Akobundu emphasized that the appropriation adheres to constitutional provisions and follows thorough consultations with officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). He stated, “The committees met with the minister and other relevant officials of the FCTA and deliberated extensively on the subject matter.”
During the debate, lawmakers praised the budget for being balanced and development-oriented, asserting that it would promote infrastructure growth and enhance security in Abuja and neighboring communities.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended the budget, calling it “top notch” and a clear indication of commitment to infrastructure transformation in the FCT. He remarked, “With a total of N2.2 trillion allocated, and N1.7 trillion set aside for capital projects, it shows a willingness and determination to advance the FCT.”
Abdul Ningi also praised the budget, describing it as well-packaged and reflective of earlier observations made by the Senate Committee on the FCT during prior budget reviews.
