Senator Accuses Wike of Taking FCT Loans Without Senate Approval

(Ireti Kingibe And Nyesom Wike. Photo Credit: Daily Nigerian)

A senator from the Federal Capital Territory has accused the FCT minister of taking loans for the capital without asking permission from the National Assembly.

Ireti Kingibe said she has raised concerns about this with senate leadership.

Speaking on television, Kingibe said she has never seen the minister come to the Assembly or the Senate to seek approval for anything.

She explained that FCT budgets normally go through the relevant Senate committee for review and approval.

But she alleged the minister has been borrowing money without this legislative approval.

Kingibe said she discovered the alleged borrowings after looking at records from the Debt Management Office covering loans taken between August 2023 and March 2026.

She challenged anyone who disagreed with her to show evidence that the minister ever appeared before the National Assembly to ask for approval for loans.

She also argued that the minister's authority cannot be greater than the president's.

She pointed out that the president himself submits requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly for approval.

The minister, she said, cannot have powers that exceed those of the Commander-in-Chief.

The accusation comes as the FCT administration faces growing questions about how it is financing its major building projects and managing its budget.