Tinubu: Wike Is Transforming FCT Like Never Before

Fifty years after the creation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), President Bola Tinubu has declared that Abuja is undergoing remarkable transformation under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

According to Ireporter Online, the President made the remarks on Friday during a special thanksgiving dinner held in Abuja to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 projects completed across the FCT within 28 days.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu applauded Wike and his team for their commitment and sacrifices in ensuring that the nation’s capital continues to develop for the benefit of all Nigerians. He noted that true leadership is reflected in visible achievements rather than grand promises, adding that Wike’s performance demonstrates the impact of purposeful governance.

The President described the FCT as a symbol of national unity where Nigerians from diverse backgrounds coexist, stressing that every new road, bridge and completed infrastructure project not only improves transportation but also strengthens national integration, creates opportunities and restores public confidence in government.

Former FCT Minister and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Modibbo, also praised Wike’s performance, describing him as one of the most effective ministers to have overseen the territory. Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, Modibbo expressed hope that Wike would continue as FCT Minister during Tinubu’s second term, arguing that four years would not be sufficient to complete the ongoing transformation.

Speaking at the event, Wike recalled that when he assumed office in August 2023, the FCT civil service was plagued by low morale and poor motivation, making it difficult to effectively implement the Renewed Hope Agenda. He explained that, alongside the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, his administration initiated reforms that led to the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, creating a clear career progression for civil servants up to the positions of Permanent Secretary and Head of Service.

The minister disclosed that President Tinubu approved several measures aimed at motivating workers, a move he credited with improving productivity and accelerating development across the territory. According to him, the administration commissioned nine projects during Tinubu’s first year in office, 19 projects in the second year and 31 projects in the third year.

Wike also attributed the administration’s achievements to the removal of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account, explaining that the decision enabled the administration to secure funding from commercial banks for critical infrastructure projects.

He commended contractors for delivering projects on schedule and maintaining high standards of quality, while reaffirming his commitment to providing residents with improved infrastructure. Wike noted that many of the completed projects were inherited from previous administrations, revealing that about 70 per cent had been abandoned before work resumed under the current government. He added that the only outstanding project among those inherited is the Inner Southern Expressway.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, described Wike as the best-performing FCT Minister to date. He said Abuja has witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development and significant improvements under Wike’s leadership.

On behalf of the contractors, Julius Berger Managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch, praised President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure and national development. He also commended Wike’s strategic planning and sustained investment, stating that the ongoing projects are positioning Abuja as one of Africa’s finest purpose-built capitals. Lubasch added that the recent wave of project inaugurations has surpassed what many contractors had experienced over several previous years.