Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations by Senator Ireti Kingibe that the FCT Administration obtained loans without the approval of the National Assembly.

Wike spoke on Tuesday while responding to journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate, had alleged that the FCT Administration obtained loans without the required legislative approval, citing information from the Debt Management Office covering the period between August 2023 and March 2026.

The minister rejected the allegation, saying government borrowing was subject to established procedures and required approval from the National Assembly.

Wike also criticised Kingibe’s understanding of the borrowing process and said she would not return to the Senate in 2027.

He said residents of the FCT had already made their political choice and indicated that he would support former senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat.

The minister had previously backed Aduda for the position and said Kingibe had little to show in terms of projects for the people of the FCT.

The dispute over FCT borrowing had earlier drawn a response from the House of Representatives, with its Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, dismissing claims that Wike had secured loans without National Assembly approval.

Agbese said there was no evidence that Wike had violated established procedures in financing infrastructure projects and noted that public borrowing was subject to constitutional, statutory and administrative processes.

Wike said the focus should instead be on whether borrowed funds were being used to execute infrastructure projects for FCT residents.

He said the ongoing projects, including road construction and rehabilitation, were intended to improve economic activity and the quality of life of residents.

The minister also linked the inspection of the projects to political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, saying residents could assess the administration based on the projects being executed across the territory.

Wike said the projects inspected included the N1 road and other stretches covering Tunga Madaki to Zuba and Kagini, adding that their completion would have an economic impact on surrounding communities.