Senate Okays ₦1.81 Trillion 2025 FCT Budget, Prioritizes Infrastructure and Urban Services

The Nigerian Senate has approved the 2025 statutory budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), endorsing ₦1.81 trillion in funding to accelerate development and governance across the nation’s capital.

The budget was passed during plenary following the presentation of the harmonized joint committee report by Senator Mohammed Ibrahim, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT. The legislative process was guided by constitutional provisions, particularly Sections 62, 80, 88, 89, and 299 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The 2025 FCT budget signals a robust drive by the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike to scale up infrastructure delivery, expand public services, and revitalize Abuja and its satellite communities.

A detailed breakdown shows: Capital Expenditure: ₦1.31 trillion (72.31%), Overhead Costs: ₦352.03 billion (19.41%)

Personnel Costs: ₦150.35 billion (8.29%), Total Recurrent Expenditure (personnel and overhead): ₦502.38 billion

Senator Ibrahim noted that the budget was developed after extensive consultations with the FCT Minister and senior administration officials. He stressed that the fiscal plan reflects a commitment to raising living standards and meeting the capital’s rising infrastructure demands.

The budget debate was marked by bipartisan support, with lawmakers praising the FCT Administration’s strategic focus on capital projects. Senator David Jimkuta lauded the Minister’s efforts, calling the budget “responsive and inclusive,” and urging swift passage.

A major highlight that drew universal acclaim was the ₦1.3 trillion allocation to capital projects—over 70% of the entire budget—a move that many legislators described as bold and transformative.

“Capital expenditure directly impacts the people,” said Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North). “The FCT has set a benchmark for fiscal discipline and grassroots development that all levels of government should emulate.”

Other lawmakers highlighted the visible transformation in Abuja’s urban landscape. Senator WSLM commended the improvements in road networks, sanitation, and public utilities under the current FCT leadership.

“Abuja has never looked better,” he said. “This city is the face of Nigeria, and this budget is a major step in making it world-class.”

With Abuja’s population expanding rapidly and urban pressures intensifying, the 2025 budget aims to strengthen investments in transport infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, and education—creating a more modern, efficient, and inclusive capital.

The budget now awaits implementation by the FCT Administration and is expected to serve as a model for sustainable urban governance across the country.