The leadership and members of the National Assembly have highly praised the outstanding performance of Mr. Nyesom Wike in his role as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The commendations came during Wike’s presentation and defense of the N1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year.
Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, particularly lauded Wike and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for their remarkable achievements within a relatively short period in office.
Bomai expressed admiration for the ambitious revenue and fiscal framework outlined in the 2025 budget, noting, “This is the first time the FCT is projecting to generate approximately N1.7 trillion. What the FCT has presented ranks among the best budgets we have seen so far. Additionally, the projected Internally Generated Revenue of N608 billion for 2025 represents a significant improvement.”
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) also praised the minister for the comprehensive transformation of Abuja, likening the capital’s current status to prominent cities such as Johannesburg and Cairo. Nonetheless, he urged for continued efforts to enhance security within the territory.
Senator Mohammed Ndume (APC, Borno South) echoed similar sentiments, remarking, “Anyone familiar with Abuja’s condition two years ago compared to now acknowledges the impressive progress. Just recently, a friend commended Wike’s performance, and I responded that it is the Senate that deserves credit because, without budget approval, no progress could be made.” Ndume assured the Senate’s ongoing support to facilitate Wike’s success.
Senator Osita Ozunaso (APC, Imo West) commended the FCT budget’s performance, particularly highlighting the reduction in personnel costs, which allowed for increased allocation to capital projects. He noted, “While budget sessions often see personnel costs rise, this proposed 2025 budget has reduced personnel expenditure by N21 billion compared to 2024. Furthermore, the budget prioritizes capital expenditure over recurrent costs, which is highly commendable.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) described Wike as one of the best ministers under President Bola Tinubu’s APC administration. He acknowledged that excessive spending on overheads had previously limited funds for infrastructure, but praised Wike’s efforts, stating, “What Wike has achieved is truly worthy of recognition and commendation.” Oshiomhole also applauded initiatives aimed at revitalizing rural communities within the FCT, emphasizing that decentralizing development is key to reducing congestion in the city.
Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), previously a critic of Wike’s leadership style, conceded to the undeniable and visible improvements under his tenure.
Similarly, at the House of Representatives, Hon. Muktar Betara, Chairman of the Committee on FCT, praised Wike for the ongoing transformation efforts in the nation’s capital. Other lawmakers joined in expressing admiration for Wike’s exemplary performance and dedication in delivering democratic dividends to FCT residents, consistent with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
In his appeal, Wike requested lawmakers’ approval for the N1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget proposal for 2025. He detailed that out of this total, N1.28 trillion (72.3%) was allocated for capital projects, while N494.1 billion (27.7%) was designated for recurrent expenditures.