Writing by Bashir Mayere; Editing by Basirat Memudu
The Senate has passed the proposed two point two trillion naira 2026 budget of the Federal Capital Territory and commended the capital development focus in the budget.
During the debate on the bill at plenary session this Wednesday, the lawmakers observed that out of the total proposed expenditure, about one point six trillion naira was allocated to capital projects.
The senators described it as a major step toward accelerating infrastructure growth in Abuja, saying it is a development-driven budget.
Deputy president of the Senate, Jibrin Barau noted that the structure of the budget was commendable because a significant portion of the funds was dedicated to infrastructure and development projects rather than recurrent spending.
The lawmaker said the approach demonstrated a deliberate effort to prioritize infrastructure and long-term development in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Senate also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what it described as significant progress in the development of Abuja.
Meanwhile, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru wgile contributing on the budget expressed support for the bill and urged his colleagues to back its passage, noting that a capital-focused budget would improve public services, create jobs and drive economic development.