Abuja’s N172.9 Billion FAAC Inflow Questioned Amidst Unabating Insecurity

Analysis of federal allocation data reveals that Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received a total of ₦172.91 billion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) over a ten-month period, specifically from July 2025 to April 2026. This translates to an average monthly disbursement of ₦17.29 billion to the nation's capital.

Throughout this period, the allocations experienced significant fluctuations. April 2026 recorded the highest inflow for the FCT at ₦23.21 billion, while February 2026 saw the lowest at ₦8.86 billion, marking a substantial difference of ₦14.35 billion between the peak and trough.

In the third quarter of 2025, allocations showed a steady upward trajectory, climbing from ₦16.60 billion in July to ₦18.40 billion in August, and further to ₦20.06 billion in September. This represented an approximate 20.8 percent increase within three months, with the total for the quarter reaching ₦55.06 billion. However, the final quarter of 2025 witnessed a reversal, with allocations declining for three consecutive months: ₦19.32 billion in October, ₦19.17 billion in November, and ₦17.50 billion in December. The total for this quarter was ₦55.99 billion.

The FCT experienced a modest rebound to ₦18.37 billion in January 2026 before a sharp decline of about 51.8 percent in February, bringing the allocation down to ₦8.86 billion—the steepest drop during the review period. March 2026 saw a recovery to ₦11.42 billion, followed by an impressive surge of over 103 percent in April to ₦23.21 billion, which was the highest monthly allocation recorded. Despite this strong recovery in April, the first quarter of 2026 (January to March) received a comparatively lower total of ₦38.65 billion, largely influenced by February's dip.

Despite these substantial financial receipts, the provision of security, a core mandate of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, continues to be a significant challenge, with many describing the current measures as insufficient. Amidst these difficulties, the Nigerian government maintains that it is actively working to enhance security within the FCT and restore public confidence.

On Monday, June 29, 2026, the Nigerian President was quoted stating, “A premium road network must also prioritize the safety of its users both day and night. To ensure maximum security along this corridor, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has installed modern solar-powered streetlights along the entire road network, illuminating dark stretches, drastically reducing nighttime crime, and improving visibility for motorists.”

Residents, however, are calling for more decisive government intervention. Ibrahim, an FCT resident, expressed his profound concern, asking, "Imagine if the Federal Capital Territory is insecure, how would you expect other parts of the country to be secure?" Another resident, Abdullah Naziru, highlighted his daily apprehension, stating, "Each time I want to go out, I fear for my life because these kidnappers and criminals have grown so strong that it takes the grace of God to keep you safe in the Federal Capital Territory. Meanwhile, the FCT is supposed to be safer than any other place."

Further compounding the security narrative is the ongoing issue of the $460 million Abuja CCTV project. On May 15, 2023, the Federal High Court mandated the Ministry of Finance to disclose the total amount disbursed under the loan, identify the local and Chinese contractors involved, and provide an update on the project's implementation status. The CCTV cameras were intended to monitor and deter criminal activities, including attacks, kidnappings, and killings. However, concerns regarding the project's transparency and actual execution remain.