By Nathaniel Zacchaeus and Chukwudi Obasi
The National Assembly considered and passed the N1, 814,073,708,392.00 Federal Capital Territory 2025 Budget Proposal.
This follows the consideration of the report of the Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and FCT Area Councils & Ancillary Matters on the Appropriation Bill, 2025.
The Red Chambers approved the authorisation from the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Statutory Revenue Fund, totalling N1,814,073,708,392.00.
The House of Representatives also passed the N1.81trn 2025 budget for the FCT, marking a crucial step toward sustaining infrastructural development in the nation’s capital.
President Bola Tinubu had, on May 14, 2025, transmitted the budget proposal of 1.78 trillion to both chambers of the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to treat the estimates with urgency to maintain momentum on ongoing and planned projects in the FCT. It was reviewed upwards.
During the budget defence before the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, disclosed that a significant portion of the budget—N1.28 trillion, representing 72.3 per cent—was earmarked for capital expenditure. The remaining N494.1 billion, or 27.7 per cent, is set aside for recurrent expenditure.
Wike explained that the capital allocation would be directed at infrastructure expansion, urban renewal, and other critical projects within the city centre and across satellite towns. He noted that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Satellite Towns Development Department would be responsible for executing most of the road projects.
Among the priority projects highlighted are the dualisation and upgrading of the Ushafa-War College/Army checkpoint road and other adjoining roads, the construction of the Pai to Gomani road in Kwali Area Council, and the dualisation of the Kuje to Gwagwalada road—all aimed at easing mobility and boosting economic activity in the FCT.
The 2025 FCT budget is expected to have a transformative impact on the territory’s infrastructure, particularly in transport, housing, education, healthcare, and rural electrification. The Senate is expected to give concurrent approval in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday passed, for a second reading, a Bill seeking to authorise the issue out of the River State Consolidated Revenue Fund the total sum of N1.481 only for the year ending on December 31, 2025.
Bamidele said the budget is specifically for the Emergency Rule Government of Rivers State, aimed at providing essential services.
The sum of N324bn was allocated for road projects and public transportation upgrades.
He said nearly N32bn was earmarked for agricultural transformation to boost youth engagement in farming.
The Senate Leader added that over N75.6bn was allocated for improving learning environments and ensuring access to free basic education.
He stated that N166.5 billion (14.4 per cent of the budget) was allocated for major healthcare projects, including the completion of zonal hospitals and general hospitals.
He also said that approximately N6.2 billion was allocated for digital resource centres and sports development.
He added that N5.2 billion was allocated for Women’s Affairs to promote social inclusion.
