The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Friday threw down the gauntlet to critics of the FCT Administration’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) reforms, particularly those who opposed ground rent payments, by inviting them to witness the results of their contributions. Speaking during the commissioning of the newly completed 15-kilometre Apo-Wassa dual carriageway, Wike said the project was a testament to what strategic use of revenue could achieve.
“To those always shouting ‘Ground Rent! Ground Rent!’ come and see what your ground rent has done. This is 15 kilometers of economic opportunity unlocked,” Wike said to thunderous applause from residents, traditional leaders, and stakeholders. “You no longer have to crowd into the city centre to enjoy good roads or fast access. From Ketti to the Central Area now takes just 10 minutes. That’s what integrated development looks like.”
The newly completed road—cutting through challenging terrain including over 500 metres of solid rock—connects Apo to Wassa, linking surrounding satellite towns such as Takushara, Ketti, and Kabusa. Wike said the infrastructure upgrade had significantly reduced travel time, improved safety, and spurred commercial activity, noting, “This place used to be a nightmare. Ask anyone who passed through here. Now it’s a corridor of transformation.”
He emphasized that the progress being recorded under his leadership was not accidental but the result of unwavering political support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “You can be given an office, but without support, you’ll only sit there doing nothing. Mr. President gave us the responsibility and the backing—and that’s why today, we’re delivering,” Wike said. “Support isn’t dashed out. You earn it. If you want it, go and work for it.”
Taking a swipe at critics who accuse the administration of media theatrics, Wike reiterated that his focus was on completion, not ceremony. “This is not about calling cameras to show where a project may start. This is about showing you what we’ve completed. We are not here to flag off. We are here to commission,” he declared, referring to the ongoing 17 days of consecutive project inaugurations across the territory.
He further challenged doubters to take a personal tour of Wassa Junction and its environs. “Go and see with your own eyes. If you still don’t believe it, then choose to remain blind—but don’t mislead others,” he warned. Wike noted that many of the satellite communities now connected by this road had long been sidelined in previous administrations, but that era of neglect was over.
The Minister extended his appreciation to the National Assembly leadership for their pivotal role in approving FCT budgetary allocations. “Without their legislative backing, timely funding of projects like this would be impossible. We thank them for believing in what we’re doing and ensuring that development doesn’t get lost in bureaucracy,” he said.
Wike concluded his remarks with a rallying call to residents to focus on visible results, not political distractions. “This road you see here today is funded by the resources we generated internally—the same ground rent people complain about. That’s how governance works. You pay your dues, and you get results. That’s what we’ve done,” he said, promising that the administration was just getting started. “Today it’s Apo-Wassa. Tomorrow it’s another. Seventeen days of delivery is not a fluke—it’s a commitment.”
