Abuja — The Senate on Wednesday commended the capital-driven structure of the proposed N2.2 trillion 2026 budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting that the allocation strongly prioritises infrastructure and long-term development across Abuja.
During debate on the appropriation bill at plenary, lawmakers observed that about N1.6 trillion of the proposed spending is earmarked for capital projects, making the budget largely development-oriented.
Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, said the structure of the budget deserves praise because a significant portion of the funds is dedicated to infrastructure and development rather than recurrent expenditure.
According to him, about N165 billion has been allocated for personnel costs, while N378 billion is set aside for overhead expenditure, leaving the bulk of the N2.2 trillion proposal for capital development.
“It is not a situation where you see a budget of N2.2 trillion with N1.5 trillion or N1.8 trillion going into personnel and overhead costs. The reverse is the case here. This budget is capital-oriented and development-driven, which is highly commendable,” he said.
Barau also applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as visible progress in infrastructure development across Abuja.
Lawmakers noted that several projects, including road construction and other development programmes, have been ongoing in different parts of the territory, reflecting efforts to transform the nation’s capital.
He further commended President Bola Tinubu for providing leadership and oversight in the administration of the FCT, noting that the President, who has constitutional authority over the territory, has been working closely with the minister to implement development policies.
“Abuja is one of the most important symbols of our sovereignty, and we must do everything possible to ensure its continued development,” Barau added.
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Also contributing to the debate, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, expressed support for the bill, stressing that a capital-focused budget is crucial for improving public services, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Abiru urged his colleagues to support the passage of the appropriation bill to enable the FCT administration accelerate infrastructure delivery in the nation’s capital.
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