Nyesom Wike, the Federal Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has appealed to the National Assembly for swift approval of the N17.1 billion earmarked for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in the proposed N27.5 trillion 2024 National Budget.
Wike presented his appeal during his appearance before the joint session of the Senate and House Committees on FCT in Abuja on Friday. He clarified that the allocated N17.1 billion would be utilized to finalize various abandoned projects and sustain the implementation of crucial initiatives.
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In his plea, Wike emphasized the modest amount, stating, “The money is just N17.1 billion, so what can I say other than to say, please help us pass it.”
Breaking down the allocation, the FCT Minister outlined that N5 billion would be allocated to the Greater Abuja Water Supply projects, while N4.5 billion was designated for the design and construction of the Nigeria Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower. Furthermore, N3 billion was set aside for the rehabilitation of the Federal Secretariat, and N4 billion was earmarked for the completion of the vice president’s residence. Additionally, N609.7 million from the 2024 budget allocation would be utilized for settling residential and office accommodation for international organizations in Abuja.
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Regarding the 2023 budget performance, Wike disclosed that although N15.5 billion was appropriated for infrastructural development, only N8 billion, representing 52 percent, was released.
Responding to the minister’s appeal, Mr. Ibrahim Bomai, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, acknowledged that the ongoing projects would require more funds for completion. Bomai highlighted the dual budget system in the FCT, encompassing the national budget and the statutory budget. He expressed hope that the statutory budget might be in the hundreds of billions and urged the NASS committees on FCT to give their approval, considering the limited amount. Bomai proposed, “If you have no objection, we will ask the minister to take a bow and go.”
