President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s decision to exempt the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework, describing the move as a strategic financial reform designed to accelerate infrastructure delivery and reduce administrative bottlenecks in Nigeria’s capital.
Speaking during the commissioning of newly completed legal infrastructure projects in Abuja on Monday, the President said granting the FCTA greater financial independence has improved its ability to fund and execute major development projects without delays associated with centralized government payment processes.
The President was represented at the event by George Akume.
Tinubu Defends Financial Autonomy for FCTA
According to President Tinubu, removing the FCTA from the TSA system was a deliberate policy decision aimed at giving the administration faster access to funds, greater liquidity, and more flexibility when engaging financial institutions for capital projects.
He acknowledged that the decision initially attracted criticism from some quarters, with skeptics questioning whether exempting the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account aligned with principles of financial accountability.
However, Tinubu argued that the visible pace of development across Abuja now serves as evidence that the policy has achieved its intended objectives.
He maintained that the financial flexibility has enabled the FCTA to execute priority infrastructure projects more efficiently while avoiding bureaucratic delays that often affect public sector project implementation.
Infrastructure Development Takes Center Stage
The President credited Nyesom Wike with translating the policy into visible infrastructure improvements across the Federal Capital Territory.
Beyond road construction, Tinubu said the FCT administration has expanded its focus to strengthening institutions that support governance and the justice system.
Among the projects highlighted were:
- A newly commissioned Office Annex for the Body of Benchers.
- Ten four-bedroom residential staff quarters at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.
- Resolution of the Nigerian Law School’s longstanding land ownership challenge through the issuance of its Certificate of Occupancy.
According to the President, these initiatives demonstrate a broader commitment to strengthening legal institutions alongside physical infrastructure.
Tinubu Rejects Claims of Executive Interference
Addressing concerns that executive involvement in providing facilities for the judiciary could undermine judicial independence, Tinubu dismissed the argument.
He said constructing court buildings, legal institutions and accommodation for judicial officers does not amount to interference but rather fulfills the constitutional responsibility of the executive arm to provide an enabling environment for justice administration.
The President stressed that improving infrastructure for courts and legal institutions enhances operational efficiency while preserving the independence of the judiciary.
More Investments Planned for Nigeria’s Justice Sector
Tinubu also announced additional investments targeted at modernising legal education and judicial infrastructure nationwide.
According to him, the Federal Government is funding:
- Construction of a new auditorium at the Nigerian Law School.
- Additional student hostel accommodation.
- Digitisation of academic and administrative operations at the Law School.
- Construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
- New magistrates’ courts.
- Residential quarters for judges.
He said these projects form part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s justice delivery system through improved infrastructure and institutional support.
Background: What Is the Treasury Single Account?
The Treasury Single Account (TSA) is a public financial management system introduced to consolidate government revenues into a unified account managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The policy was designed to improve transparency, reduce revenue leakages, strengthen cash management and enhance government oversight of public funds.
Over the years, however, debates have emerged over whether certain government agencies should receive exemptions where operational flexibility is considered necessary for faster project execution.
Tinubu’s remarks suggest his administration views the FCTA exemption as one such case, arguing that increased financial autonomy has contributed to quicker implementation of infrastructure projects within the Federal Capital Territory.
Why This Development Matters
The President’s comments provide further insight into his administration’s approach to balancing fiscal oversight with operational efficiency.
As Abuja continues to experience significant infrastructure expansion, the government’s defence of the FCTA’s exemption from the TSA is likely to remain part of broader discussions on public finance reforms, accountability and project delivery across Nigeria.
Whether similar financial flexibility could be extended to other government institutions may become an important policy debate as the administration pursues its infrastructure agenda.
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