Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of obtaining loans for the territory without securing approval from the National Assembly.
Kingibe made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television’s *Political Paradigm*, saying she had raised concerns about the minister’s borrowing with the Senate leadership.
“I have never seen Wike come to the National Assembly and before the Senate to ask for approval of anything,” she said.
The senator explained that FCT budgets are normally presented to the Senate through the relevant committee before they are considered and approved by the chamber.
She, however, alleged that Wike had not followed the same process for loans obtained for the nation’s capital.
“I am definitely saying he has been taking loans without the approval of the National Assembly. I don’t know about the House, but certainly not the Senate,” Kingibe said.
According to her, she became aware of the borrowings after reviewing data from the Debt Management Office covering loans obtained between August 2023 and March 2026.
Kingibe challenged anyone disputing her allegation to produce the Senate’s *Votes and Proceedings* showing that Wike appeared before the National Assembly to seek approval for the loans.
“If anybody contradicts me, they should bring the Votes and Proceedings of the day that Wike came to the National Assembly to ask for approval for anything,” she said.
The senator also argued that Wike’s powers as FCT minister could not exceed those of President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him.
She noted that Tinubu submits requests for loans and appointments to the National Assembly for consideration, arguing that the same constitutional process should apply where legislative approval is required for FCT borrowing.
Wike has yet to publicly respond to the allegation.
