Senators have commended Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for allocating 72.3% of the proposed ₦1.78 trillion 2025 FCT budget to capital projects.
Gatekeepers News reports that Wike appeared before the Senate Committee on FCT to defend the state’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year on Wednesday. The budget was themed “ The budget with the theme: “Completion of Ongoing Projects for Enhanced Service Delivery.”
According to Wike, ₦1.28 trillion was earmarked for capital expenditure, while ₦494.1 billion, or 27.7%, was set aside for recurrent expenditure.
He noted that road projects in the city centre and satellite towns would be handled by Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the satellite towns development department (STDD).
Wike said, “Also for completion are the construction of Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III (6.2 km), full scope development of Arterial Road N20 from Arterial road N5, and rehabilitation of Old Keffi road.”
“The full scope development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye district to Ring Road II, and the provision of access road to bus terminals in FCT would also be completed.”
“Other ongoing road projects include the dualisation and upgrading of Ushafa War College/army checkpoint road and other Ancillary Roads, and construction of Pai to Gomani road in Kwali area council and dualisation of Kuje to Gwagwalada road.”
Ibrahim Bomai, senate committee chairman on FCT, commended Wike for the projects recorded in the city within the few period he has been in office.
He said, “What FCT has presented is one of the best budgets so far. Also, the N608 billion projected internally generated revenue for 2025 shows a significant improvement.”
Senator Abdul Ningi likened the current infrastructural development in Abuja to that of Johannesburg and Cairo, citing rapid urban transformation.
Senator Ali Ndume added that anyone who had seen Abuja two years ago would recognize Wike’s visible impact, while Senator Osita Izunaso applauded the ₦21 billion reduction in personnel costs, freeing up funds for capital projects.
In his remarks, Senator Adams Oshiomhole described Wike as “one of the most performing ministers in the country,” stating that his efforts merit both attention and commendation.
Additionally, Wike defended the budget before the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, where Chairman Muktar Betara also praised him for the ongoing projects and commitment to development in the capital territory.
