Senator Ireti Kingibe has raised concerns about alleged borrowing by the Federal Capital Territory administration, asserting that loans may have been obtained without the required approval of the National Assembly.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Kingibe examined the financial oversight of the FCT under Minister Nyesom Wike. She said the National Assembly has not paid adequate attention to the territory’s affairs and observed that Wike’s appearances before lawmakers have largely focused on budgetary matters. According to her, she does not recall the minister appearing before the legislature to request authorization for loans or other major financial obligations.Kingibe said she had brought her concerns about the FCT’s borrowing and debt-management practices to the attention of the Senate leadership. She challenged anyone who disputes her claims to provide evidence that Wike had formally sought and obtained National Assembly approval for any borrowing undertaken by the territory.The senator also questioned the extent of the FCT minister’s authority.
She argued that Wike, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu, cannot possess powers greater than those of the president himself. In her view, major financial decisions, particularly borrowing, must follow the constitutional and legal procedures that require legislative involvement and approval. She therefore maintained that the FCT administration must comply with the relevant laws before obtaining loans or entering into substantial financial commitments.
Kingibe’s comments reflect broader concerns about transparency, accountability, and legislative oversight in the administration of the FCT. She emphasized that the minister’s authority must be exercised within clearly defined legal limits and remain subject to appropriate review by lawmakers. She further insisted that official records should establish whether the required procedures were followed before the territory incurred any debt.
“FCT is borrowing money; I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly, come before the Senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.Her remarks are likely to fuel further debate about the relationship between the FCT administration and the National Assembly. They also draw attention to questions surrounding the territory’s borrowing authority, the management of public debt, the transparency of major financial decisions, and the constitutional limits on executive power. The senator’s position is that lawmakers should closely examine such commitments to ensure that public funds are managed lawfully and that all required approvals are properly documented.Watch the video from 3:31 to 4:30.
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