The Senate has passed the N1.78 trillion statutory appropriation bill for federal capital territory (FCT) for 2025 financial year through a second reading.
Gatekeepers News reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu transmitted the budget proposal in a letter addressed to Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, which was read during plenary on Tuesday.
Tinubu urged lawmakers to expedite its passage to facilitate key development projects within the FCT.
The letter reads, “In compliance with section 299 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I hereby lay before the National Assembly the 2025 FCT budget proposal for consideration.”
“The passage of the budget would facilitate investment in health and social welfare, increase agricultural production, and improve job creation.”
“I urge the National Assembly to give this budget the urgent attention it deserves, in the interest of accelerating development within the FCT.”
The budget was read for the first time and proceeded to a second reading on the same day after a motion was moved by Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader.
He called for the suspension of Senate standing order 78(1), which ordinarily prohibits a second reading on the day of introduction.
However, Abdul Ningi, a Bauchi central lawmaker, resisted the move, citing Senate rules 77(3) and 77(4).
Ningi argued that the bill had not been circulated to lawmakers ahead of debate. The Senate, however, proceeded to consider the bill’s general principles.
The budget allocates N150.35 billion to personnel costs, N343.78 billion to overheads, and N1.29 trillion to capital projects.
Bamidele noted that 85% of the capital funds would be directed toward ongoing projects, while 15% would support new initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and essential services in the FCT.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on FCT, which is expected to deliver its report within a week.
