SENATE BEGINS DEBATE ON ₦1.78 TRILLION FCT BUDGET FOR 2025
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday may 14th commenced debate on president Bola Tinubu’s ₦1.783 trillion 2025 Statutory Budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking a major step toward infrastructural consolidation in the capital. The budget, submitted under Section 299 of the Constitution, proposes to dedicate 85% of funds to ongoing capital projects and 15% to new initiatives.
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu urged urgent consideration of the proposal to fast-track development in health, agriculture, employment, and social services. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved for an expedited process by suspending Senate Standing Order 78(1), allowing second reading on the same day. The motion, however, sparked objections from Senator Abdul Ningi, who said senators hadn’t received hard copies of the bill before debate began.
Despite the concerns, debate continued. The bill proposes ₦150.35 billion for personnel costs, ₦343.78 billion for overheads, and a massive ₦1.29 trillion for capital projects. Senator Mohammed Monguno hailed the budget’s focus on completion over commencement, while Senator Peter Nwebonyi called for beautification around the Abuja airport. Senate President Akpabio warned against eviction of low-income residents under the guise of “development.”
The bill has now been referred to relevant Senate committees, which are expected to return with a report within one week.
