Senate passes N2.285tn FCT budget for 2026, approves massive capital projects

The Senate on Thursday passed the 2026 Statutory Appropriation Bill for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), approving a total expenditure of ₦2.285 trillion for the administration and development of Abuja and surrounding satellite towns.

The approval followed the presentation and consideration of the harmonised report of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the FCT during plenary.

Presenting the report on behalf of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Vice Chairman of the committee, Senator Austin Akobundu, said the joint committees recommended the ₦2.285 trillion budget from a projected revenue estimate of ₦2.385 trillion.

According to Akobundu, the approved budget includes ₦165.7 billion for personnel costs, ₦378.2 billion for overhead expenditure, and ₦1.741 trillion for capital projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

He explained that the budget structure reflects a strong focus on infrastructure and development, with 76.19 per cent allocated to capital expenditure, while recurrent expenditure accounts for 23.8 per cent.

Akobundu noted that the appropriation complied with constitutional provisions and followed extensive consultations between the joint committees and officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

“The committees met with the minister and other relevant officials of the FCTA and deliberated extensively on the subject matter,” he said.

Lawmakers who contributed during the debate described the budget as balanced, development-oriented and capable of accelerating infrastructure growth, service delivery and security improvements within Abuja and neighbouring satellite communities.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, commended the budget, describing it as “top notch” and reflective of the commitment of the FCT administration toward infrastructural transformation.

“Mr President, the budget is top notch. I am the only one in the history of the legislature in this country that had the opportunity to serve as chairman of the Appropriation Committee in both the House and the Senate.

“So when I see a good budget, I know it is a good budget. It is a budget that is top notch. We have to commend the FCT minister for doing a very good job,” Barau said.

He further praised the heavy allocation to capital projects, saying it demonstrated a determination to transform the nation’s capital.

“A budget that has a total of ₦2.2 trillion and out of this, ₦1.7 trillion is going for capital projects shows willingness and determination to continue to shape the FCT to the admiration of all,” he added.

Also speaking during the debate, Senator Abdul Ningi described the budget as well-packaged and balanced, particularly considering earlier concerns raised by the Senate Committee on FCT during previous budget reviews.

The passage of the appropriation bill is expected to pave the way for accelerated execution of infrastructure projects and expansion of public services across the Federal Capital Territory in the 2026 fiscal year.