Wike Presents, Defends N1.78trn FCT 2025 Budget Before NASS

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, presented and defended the FCT’s 2025 Statutory Budget Proposal totaling N1.78 trillion before the House Committee on FCT at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday, May 21.

The budget, themed “Completion of Ongoing Projects for Enhanced Service Delivery,” prioritizes key sectors such as infrastructure, transportation, education, and health. A significant 72.3 percent of the budget—equivalent to N1.29 trillion—is earmarked for capital expenditure.

Reviewing the 2024 budget performance, Wike highlighted that the FCT achieved a 74 percent revenue realization, generating N1.23 trillion out of the revised N1.67 trillion budget. Major expenditures for the year included personnel costs of N140.9 billion (8.44 percent), overhead costs of N364.9 billion (21.86 percent), and capital projects totaling N1.16 trillion (69.69 percent).

Regarding the 2025 proposal, Wike explained that it represents a 7 percent increase from the previous year. Major allocations include N801.5 billion for infrastructure, which covers the completion of 14 critical roads such as B6, B12, N20 Expressway, and the dualization of Kuje-Gwagwalada Road. Additionally, N25 billion is allocated for the Abuja Light Rail, and N15 billion for the Greater Abuja Water Supply project.

The transportation sector is budgeted at N79.3 billion, including N25 billion for Abuja Light Rail rolling stock and N24 billion for the construction of new bus terminals at Kugbo, Jahi, and the Central Business District.

Education is allocated N181 billion, with N120 billion specifically set aside for capital projects, including counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB).

Health will receive N54 billion aimed at upgrading hospitals and procuring essential medical equipment. For environmental management, N22.9 billion has been budgeted, with N12.3 billion dedicated to city cleaning contracts.

Wike also revealed that the budget projects a distributable revenue of N1.39 trillion, alongside N391.2 billion from dedicated funds, such as the China Exim Bank Loan allocated for the Light Rail project.

The minister urged the National Assembly for a swift approval of the budget, emphasizing, “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 congestion, and improve overall living standards.”