A fresh dispute over the finances of the Federal Capital Territory has emerged after Senator Ireti Kingibe alleged that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has been obtaining loans for Abuja without securing approval from the National Assembly. Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT, made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, where she […]

A fresh dispute over the finances of the Federal Capital Territory has emerged after Senator Ireti Kingibe alleged that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has been obtaining loans for Abuja without securing approval from the National Assembly.

Kingibe, the senator representing the FCT, made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, where she spoke about the FCT administration and the oversight role of the Senate.

The senator said records from the Debt Management Office showed that borrowings had been obtained for the FCT between August 2023 and March 2026.

According to her, the loans were taken despite the fact that she had not seen Wike appear before the Senate to request approval for the borrowings.

Kingibe said she had already brought the matter to the attention of the Senate leadership because, in her view, the legislature has a responsibility to oversee the FCT administration and approve its borrowings.

She explained that FCT budgets are presented through the relevant Senate committee before being considered and approved by the upper chamber.

However, she alleged that Wike’s appearances before the FCT Committee did not amount to seeking approval from the Senate for loans.

“I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly and before the Senate to ask for approval of anything,” Kingibe said.

The senator went further, insisting that she was certain the minister had taken loans without Senate approval, while acknowledging that she could not speak for the House of Representatives.

Kingibe then issued a challenge to anyone disputing her allegation, asking them to produce the Senate’s official Votes and Proceedings showing when Wike appeared before the chamber to seek approval.

She also pointed to President Bola Tinubu’s constitutional position, arguing that the President himself presents requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly and that the FCT minister could not possess powers greater than those of the President.

Kingibe’s comments are likely to intensify the political scrutiny surrounding the FCT administration, particularly over its borrowing and financial obligations.

The reports carrying the allegation did not include a response from Wike or the FCT Administration addressing Kingibe’s specific claims.