…As Musa Bello Presents N64.8 Billion 2022 FCT Priority Budget
BY OBUTE JAMES
The Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Federal Capital Territory, FCT presided over by Senator Abubakar Kyari has called on the Minister of FCT Hon. Muhammad Musa Bello to as matter of urgency embark on the construction of rail lines in Abuja to address the challenges of traffic congestion in Abuja.
The lawmakers made the appeal when Bello and his team appeared before the joint committee on Tuesday 9th November, 2021 to defend the FCT 2022 Capital Budget Proposal.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Representive of Borno North Senatorial District noted that the level of traffic congestion within Abuja and all the roads linking satalite towns is becoming unbearable, hence the need to immediately seek for away out.
He said Abuja is the Federal Capital of Nigeria and the minister and entire management of FCTA must ensure Abuja remains the desired city of all Nigerians.
According to Kyari, “We will ensure through our oversight duty that the beauty and status of the Federal Capital Territory is not only the pride of Nigeria, but that which every Blackman all over the world can be proud of.”
In his presentation, FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello said N37,430,762,421 was the 2021 FCT Appropriation for infrastructural development activities.
He said so far, N30, 147, 069,087 was released by the Federal Ministry of Finance but only N18,350,329,852 was utulized as at September 30, 2021.
He said the 2021 budget was meant to execute 29 projects in FCT.
THE LEGISLATURE, (www.thelegislatureng com) can confirm that out of the 29 projects meant to be executed by the 2021 FCT Appropriation, 18 has been 100% paid for but this medium cannot confirm if these projects have reached 100% completion.
On the 2022 FCT budget proposal, Bello said N64,861,604,695 was budgeted for 18 projects in Abuja.
The minister and management of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) makes two appearances every year at the National Assembly before the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on FCT for budget estimates.
The first appearance which held today, Tuesday 9th November, 2021 is to defend provisions made for the FCT in the national appropriation for infrastructural development projects in the FCT being a direct support of the Federal Government to the FCT as a Capital Territory.
The second appearance is for engagement on Statutory Budget of FCTA which deals with the appropriation of the Statutory Revenue, Internally Generated Revenue and other funding sources to address both developmental projects and other maintenance matters in Abuja.
Earlier in his opening remark, Senator Abubakar Kyari said
“It is my pleasure and privilege to welcome you all to the 2022 FCT National Budget deliberation. On behalf of all Distinguished and Honourable Members of this Joint Committee, I am indeed delighted to express my profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister of FCT, Muhammad Musa Bello, Hon. Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani and all officials of the FCTA/FCDA.
Distinguished Colleagues, Honourable Members, this meeting is scheduled to deliberate with the Honourable Minister of FCT and all relevant officials of the FCT Administration on the provisions in the FCT component of the 2022 National Appropriation Bill, and to also evaluate the performance of the 2021 FCT National Appropriation Act, which will guide both the FCTA/FCDA and the Joint Committee in making provisions for the 2022 National Priority Budget.
“Distinguished Senators, Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I please remind you that this meeting is a Constitutional fulfilment towards the passage of any Bill into law. Therefore, the Committee demands FCTA’s utmost cooperation.
“Moreso, the Committee, through its oversight duty, will strongly support or complement the efforts of the Honourable Minister in the fight against corruption and any administrative abnormalies like misappropriation of funds or misapplication of the laws as the case may be.
“We as a Committee, have resolved to better the lot of all residents of the FCT by ensuring the full implementation of this Budget.
“Honourable Minister, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, as men and women of great achievements and accomplishments in our respective fields of endeavour, it is my hope that the Federal Capital Territory under our leadership, shall experience fundamental development.
“We would ensure through our oversight duty that the beauty and status of the Federal Capital Territory is not only the pride of Nigeria, but that which every Blackman all over the world can be proud of.
“Therefore, let us all challenge ourselves to think big again, let us work together to kick-start growth in a big way. Above all, I urge all of us present to maintain an unshakeable sense of optimism about Nigeria. We must together believe in our future.
“In discharging our duties, we shall be transparent, courageous, fair and will always be guided by our Constitution, Rules, and Parliamentary Conventions. We shall protect the rights of all Nigerians and be guided by the fear of God.
