The Senate has passed the second reading of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed ₦1.783 trillion Statutory Appropriation Bill for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the 2025 fiscal year.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on FCT, Area Councils, and Auxiliary Matters for further legislative review. The committees are expected to submit their report within a week.
President Tinubu presented the budget proposal in a formal letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging swift passage to support critical development initiatives across the FCT.
In the letter, which was read aloud during plenary, Tinubu stated that the proposal aligns with Section 299 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to present the FCT’s budget to the National Assembly.
He emphasized that the budget is aimed at strengthening essential sectors such as health, social welfare, agriculture, and employment. According to Tinubu, the bill is vital for ensuring a responsive and efficient administration for FCT residents.
“The passage of this budget would enable investment in healthcare and social welfare, enhance agricultural output, and boost job creation,” he said.
Budget Priorities
President Tinubu noted that 85% of the total allocation is earmarked for the completion of ongoing infrastructure and development projects, while the remaining 15% will fund new initiatives.
“I call on the National Assembly to give this budget the urgent attention it deserves, in the interest of accelerating development in the FCT,” he added.
Following the reading of the president’s letter, the bill quickly moved through its first and second readings. To expedite the process, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved for the suspension of Standing Order 78(1), allowing the bill to scale second reading on the same day it was introduced.
Opposition Voices Concern
The fast-tracked process faced pushback from Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who objected to the lack of prior distribution of the bill to lawmakers. He cited Senate Order 77 (3 and 4), which requires senators to receive documents in advance of debate.
Despite the concerns, the Senate proceeded with deliberations on the general principles of the 2025 FCT Appropriation Bill.
Budget Breakdown
Leading the debate, Senator Bamidele explained that the bill authorizes the withdrawal of ₦1.783 trillion from the FCT Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund to cover expenses from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The breakdown includes:
- ₦150.35 billion for Personnel Costs
- ₦343.78 billion for Overhead Costs
- ₦1.29 trillion for Capital Projects
Bamidele stressed that the budget’s core focus is to support a service-driven administration and ensure the completion of key infrastructure projects across the capital city. While continuing existing initiatives, the budget also makes room for new projects essential to the FCT’s development and sustainability.
