KEY POINTS
- Lawmakers commended Wike for his achievements in Abuja and his budget plans worth N1.78 trillion.
- The 2025 budget gives 72.3 percent of its total resources to capital projects.
- Lawmakers pointed out that IGR projections are looking better and that expenses for staff have fallen.
The National Assembly has praised Minister Nyesom Wike’s outstanding achievements in the Federal Capital Territory, mainly for launching essential infrastructure and development works.
The FCT minister, Wike, went before the Senate and House to explain and defend the N1.78 trillion statutory budget for the capital territory.
The budget framework receives high praise from the Senate
Senate Committee on FCT Chairman, Senator Bomai, hailed Wike budget as one of the best so far. The budget outlines plans for N1.28 trillion (72.3 percent) for capital projects, N494.1 billion (27.7 percent) for operating expenses and projects bringing in N608 billion from internally generated proceeds (IGR).
Lawmakers praises wike about the progress in Abuja
Mohammed Ndume, Abdul Ningi, Osita Ozunaso, Adams Oshiomhole and even Ireti Kingibe, who previously criticized Wike, acknowledged his role in repairing infrastructure, trimming worker salaries and reaching parts of the state that needed services. Abuja’s development was evaluated against that of Johannesburg and Cairo which are also considered global cities.
Capital projects take priority in 2025 budget
There is a move to spend more money on infrastructure than on recurrent costs in the proposed budget. Lawmakers praises wike, the government’s strategy to develop rural areas and address urban congestion which falls under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope policy.
However with these praises about Wike building infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory, these projects have made many properties owners lose their properties due to unlawful situation of these properties in different locations. The FCT have witnessed great development since Nyesom Wike became the minister, and this is commendable.
