22nd May, 2025
Senators and members of the House of Representatives have thrown their weight behind the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, praising his remarkable achievements in a short time and expressing strong support for the proposed N1.78 trillion 2025 FCT budget.
The commendations came during Wike’s presentation of the budget proposal before the National Assembly, where several lawmakers took turns to applaud his efforts at revamping the capital city.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai, led the praise, describing Wike’s performance as outstanding. “This is the first time the FCT is proposing to generate about N1.7 trillion. What has been presented is one of the best budgets so far,” Bomai stated. He also commended the projected N608 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), noting it reflects significant improvement.
Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central likened Abuja’s current status to international cities like Johannesburg and Cairo. “There’s a comprehensive turnaround of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital city,” he said, urging Wike to also strengthen security across the territory.
Echoing similar sentiments, Senator Mohammed Ndume (Borno South) pointed out the visible change in the city, saying, “Everybody that knows where Abuja was two years ago and what it is now, knows that you have done well.”
He, however, attributed Wike’s success to the legislature’s backing. “Wike is doing fine, but it is the Senate that is doing fine because without approving his budget, he cannot do anything,” Ndume noted.
Senator Osita Ozunaso (Imo West) commended the reduction in personnel cost and increase in capital expenditure in the proposed budget. “This is unusual and commendable. You’ve reduced the personnel cost by N21 billion compared to 2024, and you’ve prioritised infrastructure.”
For Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), Wike stands out among ministers. “He is one of the best ministers under this APC government. The focus on rural development in the FCT is a commendable way to decongest the city and take governance to the people.”
Even Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT, Labour Party), known for her critical stance on Wike’s leadership, acknowledged his performance. “The visible changes in the FCT are undeniable,” she admitted.
On the floor of the House of Representatives, Chairman of the Committee on FCT, Hon. Muktar Betara, also lauded Wike for his efforts in transforming the capital.
Wike, in his remarks, appealed to lawmakers to approve the N1.78 trillion budget, stating that N1.28 trillion (72.3 per cent) is allocated to capital projects, while N494.1 billion (27.7 per cent) is for recurrent expenditure. He assured that the budget is designed to deliver infrastructure and development across the territory in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
