Wike Defends N1.78trn FCT 2025 Budget Before NASS

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, defended the FCT 2025 Statutory Budget Proposal of N1.78 trillion before the House Committee on FCT at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The budget with the theme: “Completion of Ongoing Projects for Enhanced Service Delivery,” focuses on infrastructure, transportation, education, and health, with 72.3 percent (N1.29 trillion) allocated to capital expenditure.

Wike, while speaking on the 2024 budget performance, stated that the FCT achieved 74 percent revenue performance, with N1.23 trillion realised out of the N1.67 trillion revised budget.

He noted that key expenditures include personnel costs – N140.9 billion (8.44 percent); overhead costs – N364.9 billion (21.86 percent), and capital projects – N1.16 trillion (69.69 percent).

While highlighting the 2025 proposal, Wike said it reflected 7% increase from the 2024 budget, with major allocations including Infrastructure – N801.5 billion, which includes the completion of 14 critical roads such as B6, B12, and N20 Expressway, Kuje-Gwagwalada Road dualization, Abuja Light Rail (N25 billion), and Greater Abuja Water Supply (N15 billion).

For transport, N79.3 billion was allocated, including N25 billion for Abuja Light Rail rolling stock and N24 billion for new bus terminals at Kugbo, Jahi, and Central Business District.

In education, N181 billion was allocated, with N120 billion designated for capital projects, including UBEB counterpart funding.

In health, N54 billion will be spent on upgrading hospitals and procuring medical equipment, while for the environment, N22.9 billion has been budgeted, with N12.3 billion for city cleaning contracts.

Wike further stated that the budget projects N1.39 trillion as distributable revenue and N391.2 billion from dedicated funds, such as the China Exim Bank Loan for the Light Rail.

The minister advocated the National Assembly’s swift approval, stating, “With your legislative support, we will transform Abuja into a world-class capital. Our focus is on completing projects that directly benefit residents, reduce traffic, and improve living standards,” he said.