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The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading, the N2.2 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This followed the presentation of the general principles of the Appropriation Bill by Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti).
Senator Bamidele said the bill sought to authorise the issuance of the N2.2trillion to finance the operations and developmental programs of the FCT for the 2026 fiscal year.
He said the FCT occupies a unique position, within the constitutional and administrative architecture of the nation as seat of government and symbol of Nigeria’s unity, hence required sustained investment in infrastructure administration and social services.
This, he said was to effectively serve residents, businesses and the numerous government institutions.
The senate leader said the bill provides the legal framework for the utilisation of funds accruing to the federal capital territory administration through its statutory revenue sources.
Senator Bamidele said the funds would be appropriated to ensure effective functioning of FCT and continued development of the capital city in line with the vision of making Abuja a modern efficient globally competitive city.
He said the bill authorises the withdrawal of N2.2 trillion from the FCT statutory revenue fund to finance both recurrent and capital expenditure for the 2026 fiscal year.
The senate leader said the bill sought to provide funding for for infrastructure development expansion of public utilities transportation networks health facilities educational institutions and other critical projects aimed at improving the quality of life of residents .
He said without undermining legislative oversight to enhance transparency, the bill required the submission of monthly and quarterly reports on budget implementation.
This, he said would enable the National Assembly to effectively monitor performance and ensure value for money in the execution of projects and programs.
He said the budget was expected to consolidate ongoing development initiatives across the territory while also addressing emerging needs arising from rapid population growth urban expansion and increasing demands on public infrastructure .
“These investments are essential not only for the residents of the federal capital territory but also for the millions of Nigerians and international visitors,” Bamidele said.
He urged the lawmakers to give the bill expeditions, consideration.
The Lawmakers who spoke, commended the strong emphasis of the Appropriation Bill on capital component.
The senators noted that out of the N2.2 trillion budget, about N1.6 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, describing the allocation as a significant commitment to infrastructure development across the territory.
Deputy President of Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) commended the budget proposal given the allocation of N1.6 trillion for capital component for projects development in the FCT.
President of Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to the development of Abuja, while also acknowledging support of President Bola Tinubu.
Senator Akpabio thereafter referred the bill to the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory and Area Councils for further legislative input and to revert back to plenary in one week.