Senate Advances ₦1.78 Trillion FCT Budget for 2025, Prioritizes Infrastructure and Public Services

Senate Moves Forward with ₦1.78 Trillion 2025 Budget for Abuja

In a major step toward improving infrastructure and social services in Nigeria’s capital, the Senate on Wednesday gave the go-ahead for the second reading of the ₦1.783 trillion Federal Capital Territory (FCT) appropriation bill for the 2025 financial year.

The budget proposal, submitted by President Bola Tinubu, was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, following a formal letter from the Presidency.

President Tinubu, in the letter, urged lawmakers to fast-track the budget’s passage to ensure the timely execution of critical development projects in Abuja, in line with Section 299 of the Constitution, which grants the President authority to present the FCT budget to the National Assembly.

Budget Highlights:

• Total Budget: ₦1.783 trillion

• Capital Projects: ₦1.29 trillion

• Personnel Costs: ₦150.35 billion

• Overhead Costs: ₦343.78 billion

• Focus Areas: Health, social welfare, agriculture, infrastructure, and job creation

“The passage of the budget would facilitate investment in health and social welfare, increase agricultural production, and improve job creation,” President Tinubu stated.

Emphasis on Project Completion

According to the breakdown, 85% of the funds will go toward ongoing projects, reaffirming the government's commitment to completing essential infrastructure in the FCT. The remaining 15% is earmarked for new strategic initiatives.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved for an accelerated review by suspending Senate Standing Order 78(1), which usually requires a bill to wait a day between readings. This allowed the second reading to occur the same day as the introduction.

Debate and Contention

While the majority of lawmakers supported the expedited process, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) opposed it, citing Order 77(3 and 4), which requires bills to be shared with Senators beforehand. He stressed the importance of transparency and due legislative process.

Nonetheless, the Senate debated the bill’s general principles and agreed to move forward.

Next Steps

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on FCT, Area Councils, and Auxiliary Matters. A detailed report is expected to be presented within one week for further deliberation and possible passage.

“This budget is designed to ensure a service-driven administration in Abuja, focusing on infrastructure, sustainability, and improved living standards for residents,” said Bamidele during the debate.

Why It Matters:

With a significant chunk of the ₦1.783 trillion aimed at finishing long-standing infrastructure projects, the FCT budget could be a game-changer for urban development, service delivery, and employment generation in Nigeria’s capital. Its passage marks a critical step toward achieving President Tinubu’s vision for the territory.