Nigeria N1.81 Trillion FCT Budget Passed: Roads, Rails, and Reality Checks

The House of Representatives has greenlit a N1.81 trillion budget for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), raising President Tinubu’s initial proposal by N30 billion. With 72% earmarked for roads and infrastructure, the question lingers: Can this cash injection untangle Abuja’s notorious traffic and bridge the gap between the city centre and satellite towns?

• Budget boost: Lawmakers increased Tinubu’s N1.78 trillion proposal by N30 billion after FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s defence.
• Spending split: N1.28 trillion (72.3%) for capital projects vs. N494.1 billion (27.7%) for recurrent costs.
• Road focus: Key projects include:
  
  • Northern Parkway (6.2km), Guzape/Wuye/Maitama roads
  • Ushafa War College dualisation, Kuje-Gwagwalada expansion
• Next step: Budget awaits Senate approval after passing second reading.

Abuja’s population boom and chronic traffic demand urgent infrastructure upgrades. This budget tests Wike’s reputation as a "project maestro" and Tinubu’s pledge to decongest cities, but inflation and contract delays loom as threats.

"Should FCT budgets prioritize flashy roads or basic services like water and schools?"