The Nigerian Senate has passed the ₦1.783 trillion statutory appropriation bill for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for second reading, despite strong opposition over procedural breaches.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted the budget proposal in a formal letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging lawmakers to give the bill urgent consideration to enable the completion of critical infrastructure across Abuja. The budget, according to Tinubu, prioritises health, agriculture, social welfare, and job creation, with 85% of the funds earmarked for ongoing projects and 15% for new initiatives.
“This is about delivering real services to FCT residents,” the President’s letter read. “Let the urgency match the developmental needs.”
But controversy erupted almost immediately. While Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central) moved a motion to suspend Senate Standing Order 78(1)—fast-tracking the bill through second reading—Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central) pushed back, citing violations of Senate Order 77(3 and 4). He condemned the lack of prior circulation of the budget details to members.
Despite the objections, the Senate moved ahead, debating the general principles of the bill. Bamidele argued that the budget is designed to “ensure an effective, service-oriented administration” focused on continuity and sustainability of capital projects in the FCT.
Breakdown of the FCT 2025 Budget Proposal:
₦150.35 billion – Personnel costs
₦343.78 billion – Overhead costs
₦1.29 trillion – Capital projects
The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committees on FCT, Area Councils, and Auxiliary Matters for further legislative scrutiny, with a detailed report expected within one week.
