House of Representatives approves ₦2.29tn FCT and ₦1.75tn NDDC 2026 budgets to boost infrastructure, security, and development projects

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the 2026 statutory budget proposals for the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Niger Delta Development Commission, totalling ₦4.04 trillion, as lawmakers push for accelerated infrastructure and development projects across Nigeria.

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The approvals followed the consideration and adoption of reports presented during plenary by the relevant House committees overseeing both agencies.

Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Capital Territory, Muktar Betara, presented the FCT budget report, noting that the ₦2.29 trillion proposal was structured to cover personnel costs, overhead expenditure, and major capital projects within the nation’s capital.

According to the breakdown, ₦165.78 billion was allocated for personnel costs, while ₦378.23 billion was earmarked for overhead expenses. The remaining ₦1.74 trillion was dedicated to capital projects for the 2026 fiscal year.

Lawmakers also approved ₦6.79 billion for security services within the Federal Capital Territory Administration, in a move aimed at strengthening security operations in Abuja and surrounding communities.

Additional allocations included ₦1.51 billion for the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and ₦910.20 million for the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.

For capital projects, the education sector received ₦162 billion, while engineering services secured the largest share at ₦758.15 billion, reflecting the government’s focus on infrastructure development.

The resettlement and compensation department was allocated ₦143.18 billion, public buildings received ₦2.38 billion, and satellite towns development was assigned ₦212.74 billion.

Meanwhile, the House also approved the ₦1.75 trillion 2026 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission following the presentation of a report by Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.

Of the approved sum, ₦47.57 billion was allocated for personnel costs, ₦49.93 billion for overhead expenditure, and ₦22.36 billion for internal capital spending. The bulk of the budget, ₦1.63 trillion, was earmarked for development projects across the Niger Delta region.

The passage of both budgets comes amid increasing calls for improved infrastructure delivery, security enhancement, and social development in both the Federal Capital Territory and oil-producing communities.

For the FCT, the budget is expected to drive road expansion, urban renewal projects, improved education infrastructure, and stronger security surveillance systems across Abuja and its satellite towns.

The significant allocation to engineering services reflects ongoing efforts to improve transportation networks and reduce congestion within the capital city.

In the Niger Delta, the NDDC budget is expected to fund roads, healthcare facilities, electricity projects, shoreline protection, and youth empowerment programmes across the region.

However, concerns over project execution, transparency, and accountability continue to shadow the commission, with lawmakers urging improved delivery and impact in host communities.

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The approval of the 2026 budgets marks a major step in the federal government’s fiscal planning as it seeks to address infrastructure gaps and development disparities across the country.