The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed the ₦1.78 trillion 2025 budget for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for second reading, moving the fiscal proposal closer to final approval.
The bill, presented by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), outlines planned expenditures across infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and security within the nation’s capital. Lawmakers commended the intent of the budget but urged the FCTA to ensure greater accountability in implementation.
The 2025 FCT budget marks a significant increase from previous years, reflecting the government’s renewed commitment to urban renewal and service delivery in the capital. A substantial portion is allocated for ongoing road projects, expansion of public schools, and the provision of primary health services.
Senator Bamidele, in his lead debate, said the budget proposal was designed to accelerate development across the six area councils of the FCT. He emphasized that if properly implemented, the budget would address pressing needs of residents and improve the capital’s overall functionality.
Several senators contributed to the debate, with calls for close monitoring of spending and execution. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) stressed the need for equitable distribution of resources, especially in underserved satellite towns.
“There is an urgent need to prioritize transparency and fiscal discipline. We must ensure that this budget does not become another paper exercise,” she said.
The bill was unanimously passed for second reading and referred to the Senate Committee on FCT for further scrutiny and harmonization. The committee is expected to present its report within the coming weeks before a final vote is taken.
The FCTA budget runs independently of the national appropriation bill and is funded through internally generated revenue and statutory allocations.
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