The Senate on Thursday passed the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) 2026 statutory budget, approving 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 FCT during plenary in Abuja.

The report was presented by Austin Akobundu, vice chairman of the Senate committee on FCT, on behalf of the committee chairman, Ibrahim Bomai.

Presenting the report, Mr Akobundu said the committees recommended an FCT statutory budget of N2.285 trillion for 2026, based on a projected revenue estimate of N2.385 trillion.

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

According to him, the budget structure showed that 76.19 per cent of the total allocation would be devoted to capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure accounted for 23.8 per cent.

Mr Akobundu said the appropriation complied with constitutional provisions and followed extensive consultations between the joint committees and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

“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 development and security improvements in Abuja and the surrounding satellite communities.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended the budget, describing it as “top-notch” and reflective of a strong commitment toward infrastructural transformation in the FCT.

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

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

“A budget that you have a total of N2.2 trillion, and out of this, N1.7 trillion is going for capital.

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

Also contributing, Abdul Ningi described the budget as well-packaged and balanced, considering observations earlier raised by the Senate committee on the FCT during previous budget reviews.

(NAN)