Senator Ireti Kingibe of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of obtaining loans without the National Assembly's approval. In a statement issued on Thursday, Ms Kingibe alleged that Mr Wike has been securing loan facilities for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) without the necessary approval. This is not the first time the senator has made such allegations, having previously spoken out on the issue in August.
Mr Wike has denied the allegations, stating that loans cannot be obtained without the approval of the National Assembly. He explained that if a loan is to be taken, it must be included in the budget and approved by the National Assembly. The minister also made a personal remark about Ms Kingibe's future, claiming that she would not return to the Senate after the 2027 election, citing FCT residents' support for former senator Philip Aduda.
Ms Kingibe has challenged Mr Wike to provide evidence of the National Assembly's approval for the alleged loans. She dared the FCT Minister to show the Votes and Proceedings of the day the approval was given, stating that it was never brought before the Senate. The senator emphasized that no Minister is above the law and that public office holders are subject to scrutiny.
The FCT occupies a unique constitutional position, different from Nigeria's 36 states. Under Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution, the provisions of the Constitution apply to the FCT as if it were a state. However, the Constitution vests legislative powers in the National Assembly, while executive powers are vested in the President. This means that the FCT's annual appropriation is considered and approved by the National Assembly.
The National Assembly's control over FCT public funds is reflected in the annual FCT Appropriation Acts. For example, the 2025 FCT Appropriation Act requires that all revenue accruing to the FCT be paid into the FCT Administration's Statutory Revenue Account and that no money can be withdrawn without appropriation by the National Assembly. The Act also provides for a waiver from the National Assembly in cases of revenue shortfall.
The Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 contains specific conditions for government borrowing. Section 44(1) requires that any government or its agencies seeking to borrow must specify the purpose of the borrowing and provide a cost-benefit analysis. Section 44(2)(a) further requires prior authorisation in the Appropriation or other Act or Law for the purpose for which the borrowing will be used.
Ms Kingibe has vowed not to be intimidated or silenced over her scrutiny of the FCT administration. She stated that women in government must not be expected to remain silent simply because they ask difficult questions or refuse to compromise their principles. The senator emphasized that she will continue to speak out when the interest of the FCT demands it and stand firmly for the people she represents.
Key points
- FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe accuses Minister Nyesom Wike of obtaining loans without National Assembly approval.
- The FCT's annual appropriation is considered and approved by the National Assembly, unlike state governments.
- The Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 requires prior authorisation for government borrowing.
