The leadership and members of the National Assembly have heaped praises on Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his remarkable performance since assuming office. The commendation came during his appearance before lawmakers to defend the proposed N1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget for the 2025 fiscal year.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai, led the chorus of approval, hailing Wike and the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for the impressive strides made within a short period. Bomai described the 2025 fiscal and revenue framework as unprecedented, noting that it was the first time the FCT was targeting internally generated revenue of approximately N1.7 trillion.
“This is one of the best budgets the FCT has presented so far,” Bomai said, while also commending the projected Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N608 billion for 2025, a figure he described as a significant leap forward.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) also applauded Wike for the visible transformation of Abuja, likening its development to that of cities like Johannesburg and Cairo. However, he urged the minister to intensify efforts in improving the security landscape of the FCT.
In similar remarks, Senator Mohammed Ndume (APC, Borno South) acknowledged the visible development in Abuja under Wike’s leadership, crediting both the minister and the Senate for their collaborative efforts. “Everyone who has seen Abuja in the past two years knows there is a remarkable improvement,” he said. Ndume pledged the Senate’s continued support to ensure the minister’s success.
Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) highlighted the prudent fiscal adjustments in the proposed budget, particularly the N21 billion reduction in personnel costs compared to 2024, and praised the increase in capital expenditure over recurrent spending.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) described Wike as one of the most effective ministers under the current administration. He emphasized the importance of Wike’s strategy to prioritize infrastructure over overhead spending and praised the focus on developing rural areas as a strategic step to reduce urban congestion.
Even Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), known for her critical stance on Wike’s administration, acknowledged the minister’s undeniable achievements, recognizing the positive impact of his work across the capital territory.
Earlier, at the House of Representatives, Chairman of the Committee on FCT, Hon. Muktar Betara, also lauded the ongoing transformation of the capital city, echoing similar sentiments from other lawmakers who commended Wike’s dedication to delivering democratic dividends to FCT residents in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
While addressing the lawmakers, Wike appealed for the prompt approval of the N1.78 trillion budget proposal, detailing that N1.28 trillion—72.3%—was allocated for capital projects, while N494.1 billion—27.7%—was earmarked for recurrent expenditure.
The minister’s presentation and the broad-based endorsement from both chambers of the National Assembly signal strong institutional support for his developmental vision for Nigeria’s capital city.
