Ningi kicks as senate suspends rules to consider N1.78trn FCT budget

The senate has passed the N1.78 trillion statutory appropriation bill for the federal capital territory (FCT) for the 2025 financial year through second reading.

President Bola Tinubu transmitted the budget proposal in a letter addressed to Godswill Akpabio, the senate president, and read at Tuesday’s plenary.

Tinubu urged lawmakers to expedite its passage to facilitate key development projects within the FCT.

“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 letter reads.

“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 second reading on the same day — an unusual legislative move made possible by a motion from 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, the 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.

But despite his objection, the senate proceeded to consider the bill’s general principles.

The breakdown of the budget includes N150.35 billion for personnel costs, N343.78 billion for overhead and N1.29 trillion for capital expenditure.

In his lead debate, Bamidele explained that the bill seeks to authorise the withdrawal of N1.783 trillion from the FCTA’s statutory revenue fund, covering the fiscal year from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

He said 85 percent of the capital component would go toward completing existing projects, while 15 percent would fund new initiatives.

“The aim is to deliver an effective, service-oriented administration that prioritises infrastructure and essential services in the FCT,” he said.

The appropriation bill has been referred to the senate committee on FCT, which is expected to present its report within one week.