Canvasses N1tr budget for nation’s capital territory

The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has urged the Minister, Nyesom Wike, to prioritise security of life and property in the nation’s capital.

It also implored the former Rivers State governor to commit his energy, experience and network to improve on revenue generation to fund the infrastructural development of the FCT.

Chairman, House Committee on FCT, Muktar Betara Aliyu, gave the charge in Abuja at the inaugural meeting of the panel yesterday. Betara, while urging members to dedicate their time and energy to the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, said the committee could not afford to fail FCT natives and residents in the task entrusted to them.

He said: “Abuja is losing revenue but this committee will support the minister to ensure that he gets more revenue for the development of infrastructure in the FCT.

“The minister has assured us that he will make Abuja work and generate more revenue. Most of the estates in Abuja don’t have title documents but the minister has promised to look into this. With the right commitment, documents can be concluded within 14 days.”

He, however, urged the FCT authorities to take a cue from Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) who before the expiration of vehicular particulars often send notifications to car owners for renewal.

Meanwhile, indications have emerged that the FCT may enjoy the budgetary provision of N1 trillion in the 2024 financial year.Aliyu said there is need for such a humongous amount of monies to provide the enabling environment for Wike to enable him to implement his development agenda while on the saddle.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the FCT, Adesola Olusade, who responded on behalf of Wike, thanked the committee members for their commitment to assist in the development of the capital territory. He also enjoined them to work assiduously on bills pending before them concerning the development and decongestion of the city.