📰 Tinubu Proposes ₦1.78 Trillion Budget for FCT, Seeks Fast-Track Approval from Reps
By Gift Chapi-Odekina | Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has presented a ₦1.78 trillion budget proposal for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the House of Representatives, calling on lawmakers to prioritize its swift passage to boost key development efforts in the nation’s capital.
The proposed ₦1,783,823,708,309 budget—one of the largest in FCT history—was detailed in a letter to the Speaker of the House, read during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.
📜 Constitutional Compliance
Tinubu explained that the budget submission followed Section 299 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates the president to lay the FCT budget before the National Assembly.
“The passage of the budget would facilitate investment in health and social welfare, increase agricultural production, and improve the creation of jobs,” Tinubu wrote.
🛠️ Budget Priorities: 85% for Ongoing Projects
According to the president, 85% of the budget is earmarked for completing ongoing infrastructure and development projects, including roads, water systems, healthcare facilities, and housing schemes. The remaining 15% will go toward launching new initiatives.
This allocation strategy underscores the administration’s focus on sustainable capital development and rapid project delivery across the FCT.
⚙️ Sectors to Benefit: Health, Agriculture, Jobs
The proposed FCT budget aims to:
- Strengthen healthcare systems and social welfare programs
- Increase agricultural productivity and food security
- Stimulate job creation and youth employment
🗣️ Call for Legislative Urgency
Tinubu urged the National Assembly to give the budget “urgent attention”, noting that timely passage is critical to accelerating development within Abuja and surrounding districts.
“I urge the National Assembly to give this budget the urgent attention it deserves, in the interest of accelerating development within the FCT,” he emphasized.
