President Bola Tinubu has praised the transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, saying Abuja is witnessing remarkable progress nearly five decades after its creation.
The president made the remarks on Friday during a thanksgiving dinner held in Abuja to celebrate the inauguration of 31 infrastructure projects completed across the FCT within 28 days.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu commended Wike and his team for their commitment to improving the nation’s capital and delivering projects that directly benefit residents.
According to the president, true leadership is reflected in visible results rather than lofty promises.
He described Abuja as a symbol of national unity where Nigerians from different backgrounds come together, adding that every new road and bridge completed under the administration enhances connectivity, promotes economic opportunities, and strengthens national integration.
Tinubu said each completed project demonstrates that government can effectively deliver when vision is backed by determination and dedication.
Former FCT Minister and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Modibbo, also applauded Wike’s performance, describing him as one of the most successful FCT ministers in recent history.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, Modibbo expressed hope that Wike would continue as FCT minister during Tinubu’s second term, saying four years would not be enough to complete the ongoing transformation of the capital city.
Speaking at the event, Wike recalled that when he assumed office in August 2023, he inherited a civil service struggling with low morale and limited motivation to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that his administration, alongside the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, revitalised the workforce by establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, a move that created clearer career progression opportunities for civil servants, including advancement to permanent secretary and Head of Service positions.
The minister said President Tinubu approved the initiative to motivate workers and improve service delivery across the territory.
Wike disclosed that the FCT administration completed nine projects during Tinubu’s first year in office, 19 in the second year, and 31 in the third year.
He attributed the increased pace of development partly to the removal of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account, which enabled the administration to access commercial bank financing for critical infrastructure projects.
He also commended contractors for delivering quality projects on schedule, noting that about 70 per cent of the completed projects were abandoned initiatives inherited from previous administrations.
According to Wike, the only major project yet to be completed is the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX).
Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, represented by House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, described Wike as the best-performing FCT minister so far, praising his efforts in transforming Abuja’s infrastructure and urban landscape.
On behalf of the contractors, Julius Berger Managing Director Dr. Peer Lubasch lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and commended Wike’s vision and investment strategy, which he said is positioning Abuja as one of Africa’s leading purpose-built capital cities.
Lubasch added that Julius Berger remains proud to have played a significant role in the development of Abuja from its early years to its current phase of rapid growth. (NAN)
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