Senate Endorses 1.81 Trillion Naira 2025 FCT Annual Spending Plan
The Nigerian Senate has approved the 2025 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Statutory Appropriation Bill, authorizing a total expenditure of approximately ₦1.81 trillion for the FCT in the upcoming fiscal year. The bill, following a third reading, received approval after a joint committee report was presented by Sen. Mohammed Ibrahim, who ensured contributions from both chambers were reconciled in line with relevant constitutional sections.
According to the report, the total statutory budget will be financed through anticipated revenues for the year. The budget is organized as follows:
- Personnel Costs: ₦150.35 billion (8.29%)
- Overhead Costs: ₦352.03 billion (19.41%)
- Capital Expenditure: ₦1.31 trillion (72.31%)
The overall recurrent expenditure, including personnel and overhead costs, amounts to ₦502.38 billion. Capital projects, however, are projected to receive the largest portion of the budget. The committees clarified that the budget was developed following discussions with the Minister of the FCT and leading officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Meanwhile, concerns over fiscal transparency and accountability have arisen following allegations made by BudgIT Nigeria, a civic-tech organization focused on transparency. BudgIT claims that the 10th National Assembly (NASS) inserted 11,122 projects worth ₦6.93 trillion in the 2025 budget.
Analysis by BudgIT shows that 238 projects valued above ₦5 billion each, with a cumulative value of ₦2 trillion, were inserted with little to no justification. The report also states that 984 projects worth ₦1.71 trillion and 1,119 projects within the range of ₦500 million to ₦1 billion, totalling ₦641.38 billion, were indiscriminately inserted. A closer look shows that 3,573 projects worth ₦653.19 billion were assigned directly to federal constituencies and 1,972 projects worth ₦444.04 billion to senatorial districts.
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political Affairs, has called for an explanation regarding the alleged padding of the budget. He has advised the federal government to consider suing BudgIT if it deems the organization's report to be false.
The allegations of budget padding have sparked widespread calls for accountability and transparency in the budgetary process. Stakeholders are demanding a comprehensive explanation from the National Assembly and relevant authorities to address concerns and ensure the effective and efficient use of public funds.
[1] BudgIT Nigeria: Allegations of Budget Padding in the 2025 Budget[2] The Guardian: Budget Padding - A Dangerous, Relentless Scene of Corruption in Nigeria[3] The Cable: 11,122 Projects Worth ₦6.93 Trillion Inserted By NASS In 2025 Budget - BudgIt[4] Premium Times: Budget Padding: Nigeria Remains A Relentless Scene Of Corruption - Peter Obi Laments[5] Sahara Reporters: 'Malicious And Dangerous Attempt To Destroy My Political Career' - Natasha Drags Akpabio To Police IG
- The Nigerian Senate, after a thorough review, has approved the 2025 FCT Statutory Appropriation Bill, sanctioning an estimated ₦1.81 trillion expenditure for the FCT in the forthcoming financial year.
- The budget, consisting of personnel costs, overhead costs, and capital expenditure, has been agreed upon and will be financed through projected revenues for the year.
- The Senate's former Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has questioned the alleged budget padding, prompting a call for an explanation from the government and the National Assembly.
- BudgIT Nigeria, a transparency-focused organization, has accused the 10th National Assembly of inserting 11,122 unjustified projects worth ₦6.93 trillion in the 2025 budget.
- The budgetary process has been met with scrutiny, as stakeholders demand accountability and transparency, particularly regarding the allocation of funds to federal constituencies and senatorial districts.
