Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory in the National Assembly, has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of taking loans for Abuja without obtaining the approval of the National Assembly.
Kingibe made the allegation during an interview with Channels Television’s Political Paradigm on Tuesday.
She was discussing the administration of the FCT, the Abuja Master Plan and the responsibility of the Senate to scrutinise the activities of the FCT Administration.
The senator said information contained in records from the Debt Management Office showed that the FCT’s debt increased significantly between August 2023 and March 2026.
She questioned how such borrowing could have taken place without Wike appearing before the Senate to request legislative approval.
According to Kingibe, the National Assembly has an oversight responsibility over the FCT Administration and should be involved in major financial decisions concerning the territory.
“I am definitely saying Wike has been taking loans without the approval of the National Assembly.
“I’m sorry to say, with all due respect to the Senate, of which I’m a member, we’re supposed to oversee him.
“We’re supposed to approve, and I have brought to the attention of the leadership of the Senate that the FCT is borrowing money.
“I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly, come before the Senate, to ask for approval for anything. He comes before the FCT Committee, and that’s the only time it ever sat,” she said.
Kingibe’s allegation comes against the backdrop of a sharp rise in the FCT’s domestic debt under Wike.
A recent review of DMO figures showed that the FCT’s domestic debt stood at N88.51 billion as of September 2023, shortly after Wike assumed office as minister.
By March 2026, the figure had risen to N389.88 billion.
That represents an increase of N301.37 billion, or 340.5 per cent, in about two and a half years.
The increase has also moved the FCT from one of the least indebted sub-national governments in the country to the second-highest domestic debtor.
The figures show that the increase did not happen at a steady pace throughout Wike’s tenure.
The FCT’s domestic debt initially moved from N88.51 billion in September 2023 to N94.01 billion in March 2024. It later fell to N53.43 billion by September 2024.
The debt then began rising again. It stood at N78.93 billion in September 2025 before jumping to N188.86 billion by December 2025.
Another major increase was recorded in the first quarter of 2026, when the figure climbed to N389.88 billion.
The FCT therefore added about N201 billion to its domestic debt between December 2025 and March 2026 alone.
The FCT also received substantial allocations from the Federation Account during the period under review. Available FAAC figures show that the territory received N432.13 billion between August 2023 and March 2026.
However, those allocations do not represent the FCT’s entire revenue because they exclude internally generated revenue and other receipts.
In a related development, Wike had earlier attacked Kingibe over Abuja flooding. Kingibe made the allegation on August 18, 2026, following severe flooding recorded in parts of the Federal Capital Territory after heavy rainfall.
She said she had raised concerns about blocked drainage channels, development around green areas and activities on flood plains before the latest incident.
“From the beginning, I’ve always said there has been no reason for there to be political conflict on my part. I’m used to an Abuja where senators and ministers don’t necessarily come from the same party but have worked together in the interest of the people,” she said.
Kingibe said her concerns were focused on the safety and welfare of FCT residents rather than a political disagreement with Wike.
She also claimed that some developments approved under the current FCT Administration had contributed to the worsening flood situation.
According to her, parts of Abuja’s drainage system and natural waterways have been affected by construction and other activities.
She said she had communicated with relevant agencies over the matter and sought information on measures being taken to address the problem.
Wike responded on August 19, 2026, accusing Kingibe of relying too heavily on television appearances instead of using the National Assembly to address the concerns of her constituents.
The minister said he was not appointed to work with only one politician.
“That is the problem. She acts as if she is the sole lawmaker and as if the National Assembly is her private legislature. People ask me, ‘Why aren’t you working with her all the time?’ But I was not appointed to work with just one individual; I work with everyone,” he said.
Wike also questioned Kingibe’s record as a senator and said she should explain her achievements to residents of the territory.
“Don’t blame her for her comments; she is simply desperate because she has virtually lost the upcoming election. Instead of seeking media attention, she should go directly to the people and account for her stewardship. She should tell them what she has accomplished in the National Assembly and highlight the bills she has sponsored for the benefit of Abuja residents,” he said.
The minister further accused the senator of failing to adequately engage residents in satellite communities.
