In a bid to propel critical projects and finalize abandoned initiatives within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has called upon the National Assembly to approve the ₦17.1 billion allocated to the FCT Administration in the ₦27.5 trillion 2024 proposed National Budget. Wike made this appeal during his appearance before the Joint Session of the Senate and House Committees on FCT in Abuja on Friday.
Detailing the budget allocation, Wike outlined the distribution of funds aimed at addressing key areas within the FCT. Notably, ₦5 billion was earmarked as a counterpart fund for the Greater Abuja Water Supply projects, while ₦4.5 billion was designated for the design and construction of the Nigeria Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower. Additionally, ₦3 billion was allocated for the rehabilitation of the Federal Secretariat, and ₦4 billion was assigned for the completion of the Vice President’s Residence. Another portion of ₦609.7 million was specified for the settlement of residential and office accommodation for international organizations in the FCT.
Emphasizing the significance of the allocated funds, Wike stated, “The money is just ₦17.1 billion, so what can I say other than to say, ‘please help us pass it.'”
During the session, Wike also provided insights into the performance of the 2023 budget, revealing that ₦15.5 billion was allocated for infrastructural development. However, only ₦8 billion, representing 52 percent, was released. This disclosure prompted a discussion on the ongoing projects and the challenges posed by the limited funds available.
Responding to the presentation, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Ibrahim Bomai, acknowledged that the projects highlighted by Wike were ongoing initiatives and expressed concerns that the allocated funds might be insufficient to complete them. He noted the unique budgetary structure of the FCT, which operates with both a national budget and a statutory budget. Bomai suggested that the statutory budget might be in the hundreds of billions, urging legislators to consider this when assessing the current allocation.
In a conciliatory gesture, Bomai proposed that if there were no objections, the minister should be allowed to “take a bow and go,” reflecting an understanding of the challenges posed by the limited financial allocation compared to the scope of projects in the FCT. The appeal now rests with the National Assembly to deliberate on the approval of the ₦17.1 billion allocation, considering the pressing needs of the FCT and the desire to facilitate the completion of vital projects for the benefit of the nation’s capital.
