The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to the National Assembly to approve the N17billion appropriated for the FCT Administration in the 2024 budget.
Wike made the appeal when he appeared before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on FCT, in Abuja on Friday.
He explained that N17.1billion was allocated to the FCT Administration, adding that the amount was allocated to complete abandoned projects and sustain the implementation of critical projects.
Wike said of the amount, N5billion is allocated as counterpart funding for the Greater Abuja Water Supply project and N4.5billion for the design and construction of Nigeria Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower.
He also said that N3billion is allocated for the rehabilitation of the Federal Secretariat, while N4billion is allocated for the completion of the Vice President’s residence.
The minister added that N609.7million is budgeted for the settlement of residential and office accommodation for international organisations in the FCT.
“The money is just N17.1billion, so what can I say other than to say, please help us pass it,” the minister pleaded with the lawmakers.
On the performance of the 2023 budget, Wike said N15.5billion was appropriated for infrastructural development, adding, however, that only N8billion was released, representing 52 per cent.