Senate Approves ₦1.78trn FCT Budget for 2025, Advances to Second Reading
The Nigerian Senate has successfully passed the proposed ₦1.783 trillion budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the 2025 financial year, marking a significant step toward driving development within the capital. The bill, which was introduced for second reading on Wednesday, follows its formal presentation by President Bola Tinubu through a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In his letter, President Tinubu stressed the urgency of passing the budget swiftly to support vital infrastructure and services within the FCT. He affirmed that the budget presentation adheres to the constitutional provisions under Section 299, which grants the President authority to present the FCT’s budget to the National Assembly.
The President’s letter highlighted that the proposed budget would focus on key sectors including health, agriculture, social welfare, and employment, to enhance the lives of FCT residents. Tinubu emphasized that the budget’s prompt passage was necessary to ensure effective service delivery and timely project completions in the capital.
A major portion of the budget—85%—is designated for completing ongoing infrastructure projects, while the remaining 15% is allocated for new initiatives. This strategic allocation is intended to continue the momentum of development while introducing new projects aimed at improving the overall quality of life in the capital.
“The passage of this budget will significantly boost health and social welfare, agricultural productivity, and job creation within the FCT,” Tinubu explained. He called on the National Assembly to prioritize the budget’s swift passage to facilitate the desired growth and development within Abuja.
Once the President’s letter was read in the plenary session, the budget underwent its first reading before being presented for second reading. To expedite the process, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) proposed suspending Senate Standing Order 78(1) to allow the bill to advance to its second reading on the same day.
However, the fast-tracking of the bill was met with resistance from Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who raised concerns about the lack of prior distribution of the bill’s copies to Senators. Ningi pointed out that this violated Senate procedures as outlined in Order 77 (3 and 4). Despite the opposition, the Senate proceeded with the debate on the bill’s general principles, ultimately approving it for further review.
In his remarks, Senator Bamidele clarified that the bill seeks to authorize the release of ₦1.783 trillion from the FCT Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund. These funds would be allocated for personnel costs, operational expenses, and capital projects throughout the 2025 fiscal year.
Bamidele emphasized that the core objective of the budget is to ensure the effective administration of the FCT, with a strong focus on completing critical infrastructure projects that will enhance essential services in the capital. He also noted that while the budget prioritizes ongoing projects, it also includes provisions for new initiatives that will contribute to the sustainable growth of the FCT.
After the second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on FCT, Area Councils, and Auxiliary Matters for further analysis and recommendations. The committees are expected to report back within a week, ensuring that the budget undergoes thorough scrutiny before being finalized.
The Senate’s swift action on the FCT 2025 budget reflects a commitment to supporting the federal government’s plans for the capital’s development. As the bill moves through the legislative process, the people of Abuja eagerly await the outcome and the potential benefits it will bring to their city’s infrastructure and overall development.
