Emmanuel OchayiFederal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to the National Assembly for speedy approval of crucial budget allocation to complete stalled projects.
In a compelling plea before the joint session of the Senate and House Committees on FCT in Abuja, Wike stressed the urgency of approving the allocated N17.1 billion from the proposed N27.5 trillion 2024 National Budget.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe emphasized the role this funding would play in advancing critical projects and tackling ongoing challenges within the FCT.
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Wike elucidated the allocation breakdown, underscoring key areas such as the Greater Abuja Water Supply project, the Nigeria Cultural Centre, Millennium Tower, rehabilitation of the Federal Secretariat, and the completion of the vice president’s residence.
He further highlighted the necessity of allocating funds for international organizations’ accommodations in Abuja.
“The money is just N17.1 billion, so what can I say other than to say, please help us pass it,” Wike appealed to the committees.
The minister also shed light on the performance of the 2023 budget, expressing concern over the release of only 52% of the allocated N15.5 billion for infrastructural development.
In response to Wike’s plea, Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, acknowledged the ongoing nature of the projects and the insufficiency of the allocated funds.
He highlighted the FCT’s dual-budget system and hinted at the possibility of a more statutory budget in the hundreds of billions.
Bomai urged the committees to offer no objection to the budget, proposing swiftly moving the proceedings forward by allowing the minister to proceed without further deliberation.
“If you have no objection, we will ask the minister to take a bow and go,” Bomai expressed, signaling the intent to expedite the approval process.
The fate of critical projects within the Federal Capital Territory now rests on the National Assembly’s decision regarding the timely approval of the allocated budget, pivotal for the FCT’s infrastructural and developmental endeavors.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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