Financial allocations to FCT area councils grow by over 50% to N4.119bn

By YANGE IKYAA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has disbursed a total sum of N4.119 billion to the six area councils in the FCT and other stakeholders, as its share of statutory allocation for the month of July 2021.

The latest figure shows an increase of revenue from the N2.66 billion disbursed in the month of June to N4.119 billion in the month of July, representing over 50 percent increase.

FCT minister of wtate, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, who presided over the 156th Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), commended all critical stakeholders for their cooperation, despite challenges recorded in the past.

The minister explained that the decline in the allocation was as a result of increase in the statutory revenue allocation from the federation account.

The figures released indicate that the sum of N2.209 billion was made available for distribution to the six area councils, while the sum of N1.909 billion was made available to other stakeholders, bringing the total sum to N4.119 billion.

A breakdown of the revenue distribution to area councils showed that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) received N435. 35 million, while Gwagwalada got N409.11 million and Kuje received N347.75 million.

Similarly, Bwari Area Council received N325.38 million, Abaji got N355.64 million and Kwali received N336.53 million, bringing the total sum to N2.209 billion disbursed to the six area councils.

Furthermore, distribution to other stakeholders included primary school teachers, gulping N1.534 billion, while 15 percent pension funds took N226.478 million. Also, one percent training fund gulped N41.194 million, while 10 percent employer pension contribution gulped N107.849 million, bringing the total sum to N1.909 billion.

The minister charged chairmen of the area councils to initiate projects that would benefit the rural communities, just as she decried infrastructural dearth in the area councils.

According to her, “with the improved revenue allocation to your various councils, you should begin to initiate projects that will benefit the rural people. The infrastructural dearth in the area councils and satellite towns does not speak well of the administration. Much has been achieved in the city, but regrettably, we have not seen much in the suburbs. Use what you have now to do something for your people.”