2026 Budget: Bwari Area Council Allocates ₦22.9 Billion to Capital Projects
Bwari Area Council Proposes ₦30.6 Billion 2026 Budget to FCT Legislature
The Chairman of the Bwari Area Council, Mr. John Gabaya, has formally presented a ₦30.6 billion appropriation bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the council’s legislative arm. Termed a budget of consolidation, the proposal seeks to finalize ongoing developmental projects and strengthen service delivery as the current administration nears the end of its tenure in June 2026.
Budgetary Framework and Expenditure Breakdown
The 2026 fiscal proposal reflects a heavy emphasis on physical development and infrastructure. Of the total ₦30.6 billion, ₦22.9 billion—representing approximately 75% of the total budget is earmarked for capital expenditure. Conversely, recurrent expenditure is projected at ₦7.6 billion.
According to Chairman Gabaya, the primary objective of this lopsided allocation toward capital projects is to ensure the completion of critical infrastructure initiated during the 2025 fiscal cycle. This strategy is intended to prevent the accumulation of abandoned projects and to provide a seamless transition for the incoming administration following the expiration of his term.
Prioritizing Service Delivery and Economic Resilience
The budget framework is designed to improve the socio-economic welfare of Bwari residents while navigating a complex national economic landscape characterized by inflationary pressures and fluctuating revenues. Gabaya emphasized that the administration remains committed to enhancing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to supplement statutory allocations from the Federation Account.
“The 2026 appropriation prioritizes the completion of ongoing projects,” Gabaya stated during the presentation in Abuja. He noted that the bill aims to promote transparency and accountability while laying a sustainable foundation for the council’s future growth.
Administrative Achievements and Legislative Support
In reviewing the previous year's performance, the Chairman highlighted several milestones, including the successful implementation of the newly approved national minimum wage for council staff. The administration also reported progress in managing payroll systems, addressing pension deduction backlogs, and intensifying the monitoring of government programs within the area council.
In response to the presentation, the Speaker of the Bwari Legislative Council, Mr. Dogara Ahmed, commended the executive for its focus on infrastructure, which he noted has significantly stimulated economic and social activities within the region. The Speaker assured that the legislature would conduct a diligent and prompt scrutiny of the bill to facilitate the early commencement of the projects outlined therein.
Strategic Outlook
As the Bwari Area Council enters its final fiscal cycle under the Gabaya administration, the focus shifts toward project delivery and institutional stability. For investors and stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the ₦22.9 billion capital commitment underscores a continued effort to improve the liveability and investment appeal of Bwari as a key satellite hub within the capital.
The successful implementation of this budget will depend largely on the council's ability to meet its IGR targets and the timely release of statutory funds to sustain the current momentum of urban development.
