Former Coordinating Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Prof. Aminu Gusau, has showered praise on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr.Nyesom Wike, declaring that his bold governance style and sweeping infrastructure renewal in Abuja stand out as exemplary.
Gusau spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2026 Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Yakubu Gowon University, where Wike delivered a lecture titled, “The Impact of Political Leadership on Infrastructural Development in Nigeria: Between Dividends of Democracy and Good Governance.”
As chairman of the occasion, Gusau described Wike as a public servant whose time in office has been marked by “visible transformation and accelerated project delivery.”
Since assuming office in August 2023, he said, Wike has launched an aggressive drive to restore the Abuja Master Plan, fix failing infrastructure and revive projects abandoned for years.
“Major road networks have been completed and rehabilitated. Key roads linking the city centre to satellite towns are now motorable and functional,” Gusau said.
He listed the Apo–Wasa Road project, rehabilitation of inner-city corridors and upgrades of strategic junctions as key interventions that have boosted movement and business activities across the capital.
According to him, satellite towns such as Gwagwalada, Kubwa, Bwari and Karu are also benefiting from new roads, improved drainage and public infrastructure upgrades.
“Several previously stalled contracts have been revived and completed. That shows a governance approach that prioritises continuity and accountability,” he added.
Beyond roads, Gusau said the Wike-led administration has tightened development control, reformed land administration and stepped up enforcement to restore order and improve transparency in the FCT.
He also credited investments in street lighting, sanitation and public space management for improved security and a cleaner city.
“Leadership is not always comfortable. It requires firmness and sometimes unpopular decisions,” Gusau said.
Drawing from his 27 years in the United States and experience as a university lecturer, he said effective leaders share one thing in common they mean well for the people and act on it.
“You may like his personality; you may not like his personality. But one thing is certain: he works and he works for the people,” Gusau declared.
He stressed that governance should be judged by results, not rhetoric.
“Infrastructure matters. Systems matter. Leadership becomes real when citizens can see completed roads, revived projects and improved order,” he said.
According to him, Wike’s tenure in the FCT offers “clear evidence of performance-driven governance” proof, he insisted, that bold leadership can turn plans into visible progress.
