…advocates for special intervention fund
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has affirmed the current administration’s commitment to making difficult but necessary decisions to transform Abuja, regardless of entrenched interests.
Speaking at a monthly media chat held at his Life Camp Official Residence monitored by our correspondent, Wike emphasised that the FCT is now “working” due to a willingness to address long-standing issues that his predecessors shied away from.
The minister described the current administration as having the courage to “annoy people” and “step on toes” in the pursuit of good governance.
He stated, “People had said that FCT was not working and now FCT is working. I’m doing things that they refused to do. I have found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes”.
The Minister further elaborated on his approach, expressing satisfaction in holding powerful individuals accountable.
“I take joy when I step on the toes of big men. Those who say that nothing will happen, I take joy in saying that something will happen. All you want me to do is to take decisions against the poor people, but you, the rich man, nothing will happen. Something will happen, and that’s why we are getting results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care. The only person I owe an explanation to is Mr. President.”
Wike stressed that his decisions are driven solely by a commitment to good governance and national progress, rather than any regional or religious affiliations.
“I’m not doing it because I’m from a certain place or I belong to a certain religion. I’m doing it because I have to support the government, I have to make a difference,” he said.
The minister also reiterated the FCTA’s firm stance on collecting outstanding ground rents, some dating back 30 years, to combat impunity and ensure the availability of funds for infrastructure development.
He dismissed claims of insufficient notice, stating that the condition for ground rent payment is clearly outlined in title grants.
Wike challenged those complaining about the enforcement to acknowledge and pay up their ground rent arrears, emphasizing that without revenue, essential infrastructure cannot be provided.
Speaking on the upcoming plethora of commissioning of completed projects in the FCT to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s second year anniversary, the Minister announced an ambitious 19-day program, commencing on June 10th.
He said Tinubu is expected to personally commission some key projects, including the long-awaited International Conference Centre, while other senior officials will also inaugurate additional impactful initiatives.
This will be followed by the flag-off of new projects slated for completion to celebrate the President’s third year in office.
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Addressing concerns about Transparency and Accountability in Financial Management, following the FCTA’s exit from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Wike stressed that exiting the TSA has removed bureaucratic bottlenecks, enabling the FCTA to access funding through its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and participate in the larger financial market, thereby accelerating project execution.
In efforts to improve mass transportation and bolster security, the Minister announced the provision of bus terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District.
These terminals, he said, will be inaugurated by President Tinubu this month, with budgetary provisions for buses to be run by profiled and registered private operators, supervised by the FCT Transport Secretariat.
Speaking about the Abuja Master Plan, the Minister lamented that the government’s efforts to protect the Master Plan are often politicized along ethnic and religious lines.
He cited the case of the Kpaduma community in Asokoro, where road infrastructure development was obstructed despite compensation payments, asserting that structures along road corridors will be removed to implement the Master Plan.
Regarding the striking primary school teachers, Wike confirmed that a committee has made actionable recommendations that would be implemented to address the non-payment of the new minimum wage.
He also noted that past measures included providing funds to alleviate the situation.
On the inclusivity of the indigenous people of the FCT, the Minister highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to the FCT’s original inhabitants, who now have unprecedented representation with two Mandate Secretaries, and an FCT Head of Service from the indigenous community.
He added that at least two FCT indigenes are now Permanent Secretaries, fostering inclusivity in governance.
Addressing water supply challenges, the Minister stated that agreements have been reached with the Chinese Overseas construction giant, CGC, for the supply of water to satellite towns.
He urged residents to pay their taxes to enable the provision of basic infrastructure, emphasising that the FCT is not an oil city and receives only one percent of federal government revenue.
Wike also advocated for a special intervention fund for FCT development.
The minister, while also addressing other development concerns, stated that 85% of the FCT’s 2025 capital budget is dedicated to completing ongoing projects, with 15% earmarked for new projects, dependent on aggressive revenue generation.
On whether the FCTA will also focus attention on other sectors of the economy, like housing, outside of road construction, the FCT Minister stressed the foundational role of road infrastructure in development.
He explained that the FCTA is aggressively providing road networks across the city centre and satellite towns to ensure even development and enhance food security by ensuring access to farmlands.