President Bola Tinubu has declared that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is undergoing significant transformation under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, describing the improvements recorded in Abuja as the most visible in the territory’s 50-year history.
Tinubu made the remark on Friday at a special thanksgiving dinner held in Abuja to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 projects executed across the FCT within 28 days.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President commended Wike and the FCT Administration for delivering critical infrastructure, saying effective leadership is measured by results that positively impact the lives of citizens.
He said the FCT belongs to all Nigerians and should remain a symbol of national unity, inclusiveness and shared progress.
“The Federal Capital Territory belongs to every Nigerian. It is where unity resides, where diversity meets and where the hope of every citizen finds a common address,” Tinubu said.
According to him, every completed road and bridge in the capital city goes beyond physical infrastructure by strengthening economic opportunities and national cohesion.
“Every new road shortens somebody’s journey. Every new bridge connects more than communities; it connects friendship, love, unity and opportunities for Nigerians. Every completed project quietly tells Nigerians that government can still work when vision meets determination,” he added.
The President praised Wike for demonstrating that governance is about delivering measurable outcomes rather than making promises.
Earlier, former Minister of the FCT and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Modibbo, described Wike as one of the most impactful ministers to have served the territory.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Modibbo expressed optimism that Wike would retain the portfolio in a second Tinubu administration, arguing that four years would not be sufficient to complete the ongoing transformation of Abuja.
In his remarks, Wike recalled that he inherited a demoralised civil service when he assumed office in August 2023, saying low staff morale had slowed implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT.
He said the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, approved by President Tinubu, had restored confidence among workers by creating opportunities for career progression to the positions of Permanent Secretary and Head of Service.
According to the minister, improved staff motivation translated into increased project delivery, with nine projects commissioned in the administration’s first year, 19 in the second year and 31 projects inaugurated in the third year.
Wike also attributed the improved pace of infrastructure development to the removal of the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which enabled access to commercial bank financing for project execution.
He commended contractors for delivering projects on schedule and pledged continued collaboration to sustain infrastructure development across the territory.
“Comparatively, what President Tinubu has done and will continue to do in the FCT is unprecedented. About 70 per cent of the projects we completed were abandoned projects inherited by this administration. The only one yet to be completed is the Inner Southern Expressway (OSEX),” Wike said.
The minister also assured the President of political support from Rivers State, expressing confidence that his political coalition would remain firmly behind Tinubu.
Also speaking, 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, crediting him with reshaping Abuja through an unprecedented infrastructure drive.
On behalf of contractors, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, commended the Tinubu administration for prioritising infrastructure and economic development.
He said the company’s long-standing partnership in the development of Abuja had continued under the current administration, adding that sustained investment was positioning the city among Africa’s leading purpose-built capitals.
