Reps approve N2.29trn FCT, N1.75trn NDDC budgets for 2026

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the 2026 budget proposals of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Niger Delta Development Commission, passing allocations of N2.29 trillion and N1.75 trillion respectively.

The approvals followed the adoption of reports presented during plenary by the relevant House committees.

Presenting the report on the FCT budget, Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Muktar Betara, said the N2.29 trillion appropriation was designed to cover personnel costs, overhead expenditure and major infrastructure projects across Abuja.

According to him, N165.78 billion was allocated for personnel costs, while N378.23 billion was earmarked for overhead expenses.

He added that the remaining N1.74 trillion would be used for capital projects within the Federal Capital Territory during the 2026 fiscal year.

A breakdown of the recurrent expenditure showed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration secured N151.44 billion for operational activities.

The House also approved N6.79 billion for the security services department of the FCTA as part of efforts to strengthen security across Abuja and surrounding satellite communities.

In addition, lawmakers approved N1.51 billion for the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and N910.20 million for the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

For capital projects, the education sector received N162 billion, while engineering services secured the highest allocation of N758.15 billion.

The resettlement and compensation department got N143.18 billion, public buildings received N2.38 billion, and the satellite towns development department was allocated N212.74 billion.

Meanwhile, the House also passed the 2026 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission valued at N1.75 trillion.

Budget details showed that N47.57 billion was allocated for personnel costs, while overhead expenditure stood at N49.93 billion.

The commission also received N22.36 billion for internal capital expenditure, while the largest portion of the budget — N1.63 trillion — was earmarked for development projects across the Niger Delta region.

The approval followed the presentation of a report by the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.

The passage of both budgets comes amid growing pressure on the Federal Government to improve infrastructure, security and social services in the Federal Capital Territory and the oil-producing Niger Delta region.

For the FCT, the budget is expected to support road construction, urban renewal projects, public school improvements, enhanced security surveillance and infrastructure development in satellite towns.

The large allocation to engineering services reflects the administration’s focus on transportation networks and ongoing projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across Abuja.

The funding approved for resettlement and compensation is also seen as significant amid recurring disputes over land acquisition and relocation linked to public projects.

Similarly, increased allocations to satellite towns are expected to help address long-standing infrastructure deficits in suburban communities around Abuja.

For the NDDC, the approved budget is expected to strengthen intervention projects in the Niger Delta, including roads, shoreline protection, electricity, healthcare, education and youth empowerment programmes.

The budget approval also comes amid renewed scrutiny of the commission over concerns relating to abandoned projects, contract irregularities and accountability issues.

Lawmakers have repeatedly urged the commission to ensure transparency and deliver meaningful development projects capable of improving living conditions in oil-producing communities.