The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appealed to Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, to use his influence in the Senate to push for more budgetary allocations to the FCT.

Wike made the appeal on Thursday during the official flag-off of the installation of Integrated (Hybrid) Solar Lighting in Abuja city districts and expressways under the “Light Up Abuja” programme, Lots I and II.

Coolbase News reports that the minister, while acknowledging Ndume’s presence at the event, urged him to ensure that FCT requests for funding are given priority.

He said, “Senator Ndume who just came, I know where you are living, it has no street lights, but go home and sleep now without the street light.

“That is why each time you are in the Senate, make sure when we ask for ₦1, increase it to ₦5, knowing fully well the money will be utilized. That’s what is key.”

Wike also thanked both the Senate and the House of Representatives for their support, stressing that the FCT administration would continue to justify every allocation released.

“Each day we go out, you always give us support. It’s very important. I thank all of you and I invite you to join us as we flag off the light of our work,” he said.

The “Light Up Abuja” programme is one of the minister’s key infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving street lighting across the capital city and its major highways.