Title: Senate Backs FCTA’s 2025 Budget, Urges Focus on Ongoing Projects Date Published: 22 May 2025 Description: The Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ibrahim Bomai, has praised the FCT Administration for its impressive 85% budget implementation rate in 2024, affirming that the proposed ₦1.78 trillion budget for 2025 is a strategic step towards consolidating infrastructure and service delivery.Speaking during the budget defense session, Bomai noted that ₦1.089 trillion—about 85% of the capital allocation—is earmarked for completing existing projects, while only ₦200.77 billion is set aside for new initiatives.“This is clearly a budget of consolidation,” Bomai stated. “It is essential that we complete what has been started, rather than embarking on new, potentially wasteful ventures.”The senator lauded the FCTA leadership for being proactive and responsive, especially in security, infrastructure, and public services. He further pledged the committee’s oversight role would be executed with transparency, fairness, and fidelity to the constitutionWike Calls for National Security Strategy, Defends Budget AllocationIn response, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, emphasized the need for a coordinated national strategy to address Abuja’s complex security challenges.Defending the FCT’s ₦1.78 trillion 2025 budget proposal at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Wike stressed that the capital’s unique status—as host to the Presidency, National Assembly, and foreign embassies—requires an integrated federal approach. “You cannot talk about autonomy in a city where the President resides, where the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and every corporate head of the country operate from,” Wike said. “The security of this city is not something we can handle alone.”Wike revealed that the FCTA has been collaborating with national security agencies, including the NSA’s office, the DSS, and the police, to ensure total security coverage for the capital. However, he lamented the lack of effective surveillance infrastructure, citing internal politics and sabotage as major hindrances. “You wonder why we still can’t have effective CCTV coverage in the capital. Sometimes, it’s internal politics; sometimes it’s outright sabotage,” he added.He cautioned those advocating for full FCT autonomy to consider the constitutional and security implications, explaining that the FCT’s structure—without a House of Assembly—was by design and not accidental.Health Infrastructure, Service Delivery, and Budget BreakdownWike also highlighted developments in the health sector, announcing the completion of procurement for MRI and CT scanners to be deployed in public hospitals across the FCT. “As of yesterday, we completed procurement processes for an MRI and CT scan machine. These will be delivered to our health facilities soon,” he said.Defending the proposed 2025 budget, Wike detailed its structure:₦1.29 trillion (72.33%) for capital expenditure₦494 billion for recurrent expenditure He emphasized that 85% of the capital allocation will be used to complete long-abandoned or ongoing projects, some dating back to 2010. “Government is a continuum. What matters is not who awarded a project, but who completes it,” he declared.Wike acknowledged a ₦115 billion increase from the revised 2024 budget, attributing the growth to improved revenue generation. Personnel costs also rose slightly from ₦140 billion in 2024 to ₦150 billion due to promotions and appointments of new Secretaries.Project Commissioning and Vision for the CapitalThe Minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a 19-day commissioning window for completed projects across the capital and satellite towns like Gwagwalada, Kwali, Abaji, and AMAC.“This will be the first time an administration is rolling out development projects across satellite towns. I urge you to attend the unveiling of the International Conference Centre; Attached Images: a3a541c8ec659dc2ec1d718565aae9641c4fd6560b122ebf2950fa17bfbbf75b.jpg Attached Video: None