President Bola Tinubu has declared that Abuja is finally undergoing the structural transformation envisioned since its creation, crediting the efforts of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Tinubu spoke in Abuja at a special thanksgiving dinner held to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 infrastructural projects across the FCT completed within a 28-day window.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu commended Wike and the FCT Administration for translating the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda into visible projects that have transformed the face of the nation’s capital.
President Bola Tinubu has declared that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is finally living up to its promise as Nigeria’s capital.
Tinubu said Abuja has undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, nearly 50 years after its creation.
The President spoke at a special thanksgiving dinner organised to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 projects executed across the FCT within 28 days, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu commended Wike and the FCT Administration for translating the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda into visible projects that have transformed the face of the nation’s capital.
He said rapid infrastructure development across Abuja has demonstrated that good governance is measured by tangible results rather than lofty promises.
According to him, the FCT belongs to every Nigerian and must remain a symbol of national unity, progress and shared prosperity.
He said, “Leadership is not measured by how loudly one announces plans, but by how clearly the people can see the results of those plans.
“Every new road constructed shortens somebody’s journey. Every new bridge connects not just communities but friendships, opportunities and national unity. Every completed project tells Nigerians that the government can still work when vision meets determination”.
Tinubu thanked Wike, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the entire FCT team for their commitment and sacrifices in ensuring that Abuja works for all residents.
The President’s remarks come against the backdrop of an aggressive infrastructure drive that has seen the commissioning of roads, bridges, health facilities, water projects, judges’ quarters, and other critical infrastructure across the six Area Councils and the city centre in recent weeks.
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 impactful ministers ever to head the FCT.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Modibbo expressed confidence that Wike would retain the portfolio beyond the current tenure.
“Four years will not be enough to complete what you have started,” he said.
Responding, Wike attributed the administration’s achievements to President Tinubu’s unwavering support and policy decisions, particularly the approval to establish the FCT Civil Service Commission and the removal of the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
He recalled that when he assumed office in August 2023, he found a demoralised workforce with little motivation to drive government policies.
According to him, the establishment of the Civil Service Commission restored career progression for workers, enabling civil servants to rise to the positions of Permanent Secretary and Head of Service, thereby boosting morale and productivity.
He added that leaving the TSA enabled the FCT Administration to access financing from commercial banks, accelerating the execution of key infrastructure projects.
Wike disclosed that the Tinubu administration inaugurated 9 projects in its first year, 19 in the second, and 31 in the third.
He noted that over 70 per cent of completed projects had been abandoned by previous administrations before being revived and completed by the current government.
“The only major project yet to be completed is the Inner Southern Expressway (OSEX),” the minister said.
He also assured the President of Rivers State’s strong political support ahead of future elections, declaring that his political coalition would overwhelm opposition forces in the state.
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 so far.
He said Abuja has experienced unprecedented infrastructural renewal under Wike’s leadership, adding that the transformation has significantly improved the image of Nigeria’s capital.
On behalf of the contractors, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure and praised Wike for providing the leadership that has accelerated project delivery.
He said the pace of commissioning in recent weeks reflected the administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure.
“Without any sense of immodesty, we are proud to have been part of Abuja’s development story from its formative years to the present day,” Lubasch said.
