Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has said that the capital territory is now as big as two states in Nigeria combined, and therefore needs special attention in terms of how its finances are administered.
“We run a Ministry but we also run a Territory that has approximately six million people now, which is more than many States. It’s probably like two States combined. In terms of geographical size, we are talking of 8,000 square kilometers. That’s obviously much bigger than many States.
“We run six Area Councils. We have agencies for education, health, justice, social services, agriculture, Area Council and Chieftaincy matters. The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) undertakes the works aspect, while the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council manages municipal services. So, basically, it’s as if we are a State.”
The minister who spoke today, Wednesday, when he played host to the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Anthony Ayine, promised to liaise with the Accountant General’s office to ensure that all government financial regulations are followed so as to ensure transparency in government business.
Muhammad Bello said that the nature of the day-to-day activities of the FCT Administration is such that requires a different auditing template from the one being used to review other federal ministries.
“We are a Ministry as well as a Territory. As you know, by virtue of section 299 of the Constitution, we are being considered as if we are a state”.
Earlier, the new Auditor-General of the Federation called for strengthened and sustained relationship between the office of the Auditor-General of the federation and the FCT Administration even as he promised to assist the Administration in strengthening its internal control and audit system. [myad]
