In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly's approval for an additional supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). This request, conveyed through a letter dated 19th September 2024 and addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, marks Tinubu's continued focus on improving the nation's capital.
The timing of this request comes just 110 days after the House of Representatives approved a N98.5 billion supplementary budget for the FCTA under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, which was passed on 6th June 2024. Additionally, earlier in March 2024, a comprehensive N1.2 trillion budget for the FCTA had already been approved by the National Assembly.
Interestingly, the letter, which was read on 24th September 2024 as lawmakers resumed from their two-month recess, did not specify the exact amount being requested for this latest supplementary budget. The letter was titled: Submission of Supplementary Budget Proposal to the 2024 Statutory Appropriation of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
In the letter, President Tinubu explained that the supplementary budget was formulated based on the FCTA’s revised revenue and expenditure forecasts. He emphasized that the proposal aligns with the fiscal and developmental objectives of the Federal Government, particularly under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The president further assured that the FCTA would continue to prioritize the improvement of human capital and infrastructure development within the Federal Capital Territory. He expressed confidence that the House of Representatives would swiftly consider and approve the supplementary budget.
During the session, the lawmakers also took a moment to honor the memory of the late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who passed away in July 2024 at the age of 52. Senator Ubah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District, was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). He passed away in the United Kingdom after a brief illness.
As is tradition in Nigeria’s National Assembly, the plenary was adjourned in respect of the late Senator. The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, explained that this is a long-standing parliamentary custom.
The lawmakers are set to reconvene on Wednesday, with the House resuming its regular legislative activities. Hon. Rotimi reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to fulfilling its legislative agenda and delivering effective service to Nigerians.
This request by President Tinubu signals his administration's continued commitment to infrastructural and human capital development in Abuja, the nation's capital. With the resumption of the National Assembly, all eyes are on the lawmakers as they balance this new proposal with other national priorities.