FCT Statutory Budget: Minister presents N299.9Bn, Senate demands full implementation
By Taofeek LAWAL, Abuja
FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has presented the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), 2021 Statutory Budget proposal in the sum of ₦299,963,491,522.46 to the Senate Committee on FCT.
A breakdown of the total expenditure shows that total recurrent expenditure is ₦136,312,350,743.21 while capital expenditure is ₦163,651,140,779.25 respectively. Also, the sum of N74,523,382,813.15 is proposed as personnel costs while overhead costs is ₦61,788,967,930.06 respectively.
Equally, the sum of ₦136,312,350,743.21 representing 54.56 percent is proposed as capital expenditure for the year 2021, an amount earmarked for development of infrastructure with emphasis on completion of ongoing projects. Out of the proposed capital expenditure, the sum of ₦78,793,795,841.000 is dedicated to the completion of the ongoing Abuja Light Rail projects and other counterpart funded related projects aimed at enhancing socio economic activities of the FCT. In the proposed budget, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is allocated the sum of ₦26.7 billion and Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) the sum of ₦17.7 billion.
Also, other Secretariat Development and Agencies (SDAs) were allocated the cumulative sum of ₦40,903,488,220.00 for their capital expenditure, in order to address critical areas like ongoing road construction, water treatment plan and other related facilities.
Presenting the budget estimates to the Senate, the FCT minister revealed that the 2021 budget preparation aligned with the federal government budget parameters, as well as took into consideration assumptions for the 2021 national budget. He added that the budget proposal has also taken into account the estimated revenue accruing to the FCT through the federation account and recognises other in-house efforts to boost revenue generation capacities in FCT.
He explained that the focus of the capital budget is mainly on completion of ongoing projects that have a high impact on service delivery to the FCT residents.
The minister further revealed that the sum of ₦7.5 billion is earmarked for the expansion and rehabilitation of seven major roads in 2021, in order to speed up their completion before the end of the fiscal year. He added that the sum of ₦17.7 billion is proposed for infrastructural development in the Satellite Towns, of which the key projects are; engineering infrastructure to Kubwa, Bwari, Karshi, Wasa and extension of Karshi-Apo Road.
The Chairman of the Senate committee on FCT, Senator Abubakar Kyari, in his remarks said the committee will ensure the full implementation of the budget, through its oversight functions, to ensure effective service delivery to the residents of the FCT. Senator Kyari said the FCTA should ensure that budget proposals are presented on or before September of the preceding year for proper and efficient deliberation and implementation.
