The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Wike

  • Massive infrastructure coming in 2026, says Wike

    Massive infrastructure coming in 2026, says Wike

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has told residents of the nation’s capital that 2026 will usher in massive infrastructure.

    Wike spoke at the flag-off of the construction of Collector Road CN2 in Katampe District, a vital project aimed at opening up the Gishiri area.

    The minister noted the significance of the timing, as the FCT attains its golden age of 50 years by next February.

    Read Also: Osinbajo accuses Supreme Court of inconsistency

    He promised that 2026 would “be a different year altogether that will see massive infrastructure turnaround in the FCT, something nobody has seen since the FCT was created”.

    Speaking on the Collector Road CN2 road project, the FCT minister recalled that after the inauguration of the Gishiri interchange and dualisation project last June, he urged the contractor, Chinese Geoengineering Construction (CGC), to begin the linking of the road, even before the contract was formally awarded, to ensure the project’s maximum impact.

    He praised the contractor for demonstrating faith in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    Wike said: “To the glory of God, they went ahead. Now, we are in the process of awarding the contract and looking at what they are doing. I want to commend CGC for having that trust and confidence in the government of President Tinubu.”

    The minister also stated that the road project, along with others, has been slated for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary.

    According to him, its completion is expected to significantly appreciate the value of real estate in the territory, thereby allowing economic activities to thrive.

    “This is one of the projects we have earmarked for Mr. President to inaugurate on his third anniversary celebration. I know they will not fail us,” he added.

    Wike announced that the CGC was also executing other major FCT projects, including the water supply project in Karu, Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari, as well as the dualisation of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), which is an eight-lane road leading to Apo/Wasa District. The minister urged the company to continue utilising local content and providing employment opportunities for FCT residents. He also solicited the support of the residents to ensure the timely completion of the project.

  • Wike cautions council chairman against street naming for cash 

    Wike cautions council chairman against street naming for cash 

    …flags off provision of infrastructure for Guzape, Asokoro

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, advised the chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, to desist from the unauthorized naming of streets and roads constructed by the FCT Administration.

    Wike disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony for the provision of engineering infrastructure for layouts in the Guzape AO9 and Asokoro AIT neighborhood districts of the capital.

    The minister, who shifted focus from the project at hand to what he termed an infraction, expressed strong disapproval of the practice where Area Council officials allegedly name streets after individuals who have paid them money.

    He said, “Today is a different day. But let me say it now. We cannot be constructing roads and providing infrastructure, then you wake up in the morning, before I wake up, you name the streets or the roads we are doing, the roads we are funding. I mean, it is very, very funny.

    “You wake up; when somebody writes to you and pays you money, before you know it, it’s Dr. So-So Street, Professor So-So Street, Bishop So-So Street, and Madam So-So Street on a road we are struggling to find money to provide infrastructure. Better go and refund them their money”.

    Wike, while declaring an end to the era of such naming rights, issued a clear ultimatum, adding that, “We have to name streets after those who have contributed to the development of the area. You don’t just wake up because somebody has ₦2 million, he pays you, then you come and name a street after him. That is not possible. You can go and name them in the satellite towns.

    “Go to Keti-Kabusa. Go to Kabusa-Takushara. Go to all those Pai-Gomani. Go and put names there. But in the city here, the government must know who you are naming the street after.

    “You don’t just name streets after somebody when you don’t know where the money comes from. We will not do that again. I have forgiven you till yesterday, but from today, I won’t forgive you again,” he said.

    Wike emphasised that street naming in the city should be a dignified process reserved for those who have genuinely contributed to national or community development, not the highest bidder.

    He said, “Government must know who you are naming the street after, in order to immortalize and remember them for what they have done for the country.

    “If there are people who have paid you money, make sure you do the roads too. Provide infrastructure and name the street after them. Even where I am living, I woke up one early morning and saw the name of somebody. I said, as a Minister, I am living here. That is not the way it is supposed to be.

    “Tomorrow, you may see footballers or our sports people who have done well, and it is said, ‘name this street after them’ in order to remember them for what they have done for the country, for what they have done for the city”.

    On the project, the minister said the administration has promised to continue to provide basic infrastructure and do all it can to ensure that Abuja takes on a new look and competes with other cities of the world.

    The FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, noted that the President’s vision of ensuring that every district of the FCT is accessible and well-served continues to inspire the administration’s efforts, adding that the event was another testimony of that resolve.

    Mahmoud described the provision of engineering infrastructure within Guzape AO9 and the AIT Neighborhood in Asokoro AO4 as being of immense importance.

    “Beyond opening up these districts for development, the road networks and associated infrastructure will enhance connectivity between neighborhoods, reducing travel time and decongesting other adjoining routes,” she said.

    The minister commended members of the National Assembly for their continued support in appropriations and legislative backing.

    She hailed Wike for his leadership capacity and urged the full support of Abuja residents to achieve positive results. 

  • President creating jobs through road projects in FCT, says Wike

    President creating jobs through road projects in FCT, says Wike

    • Pay your taxes to have more amenities, FCT minister tells residents

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is creating jobs through the construction of roads in the nation’s capital.

    Wike reiterated the need for the residents to pay their taxes, saying the money is used to provide modern roads and social amenities.

    The minister said this while officially flagging off the construction of the Mohammed Isa Road extension within the Asokoro District in Abuja.

    He emphasised that the ambitious infrastructure drive undertaken by the FCT Administration was heavily dependent on the availability of resources.

    Wike urged the residents to pay their taxes and continue to support President Tinubu’s administration to enable it to deliver programmes that would make their lives better.

    The minister likened the provision of good infrastructure to making a “good soup,” which cannot be provided without resources.

    He said: “The President is providing jobs through the construction of roads in the FCT. Pay us what you owe us. If soup sweet, na money kill am (A sweet soup is a product of good money). If you don’t have the money to buy the various items when you are cooking the soup, it will look like ordinary water. But when you have money, all the medemede (ingredients) will be there. Even if you are not hungry, but because the soup attracts you, you will be forced to be hungry…

    “So, all these good roads, good drainage systems won’t be possible if you don’t pay your taxes. So, try to pay your taxes so that we can provide more of these roads.”

    Wike noted that prominent critics of President Tinubu’s administration have begun to acknowledge its successful performance, particularly in infrastructure development.

    The minister said the new road project was initiated following a direct appeal from a major critic of the present administration, calling for infrastructure provision, specifically roads, drainage, and streetlights in the Asokoro extension, similar to the work being done in other districts of the FCT.

    Read Also: Wike’s loyalists elect Nosa Ogieva as factional PDP chairman in Edo

    Recalling their exchange, he said: “I remember very well that one of the major critics of the present government of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu – I will not call his name – he came to me and said: ‘Look, you have been providing infrastructure in terms of roads in all these other districts. What about us in the Asokoro extension?’”

    Wike described himself as one of the agents of President Tinubu, whose task is to translate the President’s vision into action.

    According to him, the FCT’s progress is a testament to the President’s effectiveness.

    He added: “We forget that Mr. President has agents or people who carry out his directives or instructions. You cannot say the FCT is working and Mr. President is not working. Through us, we carry out the directives, we carry out the instructions, we carry out the vision of Mr. President. One of the visions is that the FCT must compete favorably with other cities of the world, and that is what we are doing.”

    The minister explained that the Mohammed Isa Road extension project was taking place on the 10th day of project flag-offs across the FCT in the current series covering roads and water projects.

    He said the road would significantly enhance connectivity, improve the city’s landscape, and create employment for residents.

    “Look at the topography; look at the landscape. By the time these roads are completed, the drainages are put in place, the streetlights are on; look at the employment that is being created. Every day, one company carries out one construction or the other. Tomorrow, we will be in another place where one company is carrying out another construction… Our teeming youths are all engaged in this. That is creation of employment,” Wike stated.

    Providing an overview of the project, the Acting Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Richard Yunana Dauda, said the contract for the Mohammed Isa Road extension was awarded to Messrs. Global Spectrum Energy Services Limited with a completion period of 14 months.

    He said the scope of work included the construction of approximately four kilometres of roads along with the provision of modern drainage systems, water distribution network, sewer line network, street lighting, power supply, telecommunication ducts, and other infrastructure services.

  • Fubara, Wike, Rivers elders meet to strengthen reconciliation

    Fubara, Wike, Rivers elders meet to strengthen reconciliation

    • Ehie’s return as CoS foreclosed

    Efforts to reconcile factions within the Rivers State political family gained momentum at the weekend as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the Rivers Elders Council met in Port Harcourt.

    The meeting, which also had the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, in attendance, was convened at the instance of the Elders Council led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba.

    It was described as a major step toward full unification of Wike’s political family in the state.

    Sources said discussions centred on consolidating peace and resolving grey areas in earlier reconciliation efforts.

    Governor Fubara was reportedly advised to hold consultations with the elders, lawmakers, and the PDP leadership before an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting.

    One of the highlights of the meeting was the resolution concerning Edison Ehie’s position as Chief of Staff to the governor, whose return to the position, a source said, was foreclosed.

    Fubara was also advised to hold further consultations with the Elders Council, members of the State House of Assembly, and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    He was also said to have apologised to anyone he might have offended.

    Read Also: Wike, Fubara, Amaewhule, Rivers elders, others meet in Port Harcourt

    The Media Aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, who shared photos from the meeting, said it signified that “the political family is fully united.”

    It was learnt that the parley paved the way for the governor to send a new list of commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly.

    Also present were members of the Rivers caucus in the National Assembly and several prominent politicians, including APC South-South Chairman Victor Giadom, who reportedly described the gathering as a “rainbow coalition” led by Wike ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Others at the meeting included Senators Magnus Abe, Barry Mpigi, George Sekibo, and Olaka Nwogu; Deputy Speaker of the Rivers Assembly, Dumle Maol; and Chief Sergeant Awuse.

    Former Attorneys-General of the state — Frank Owhor, Ken Chikere, Worgu Boms, and Prof. Zacchaeus Adango (SAN) — were also in attendance, alongside PDP Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Aaron, former Minister of Environment Udi Odum, and former Speaker Ikuinyi Ibani.

    Federal appointees from Rivers State, such as Emma Deeyah (HYPREP), Dr. Chinyere Igwe (Ignatius Ajuru University), Chief Boma Iyaye (NDDC), Chief Chukwuemeka Woke (NOSDRA), and Dr. Fred Kpakol (HYPREP), also attended.

  • Wike’s loyalists elect Nosa Ogieva as factional PDP chairman in Edo

    Wike’s loyalists elect Nosa Ogieva as factional PDP chairman in Edo

    A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has elected Nosa Ogieva as its new state chairman.

    The factional executive emerged at a congress held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, with 576 delegates from the state’s 192 wards participating in the exercise.

    The development comes a week after another PDP faction in the state held its own congress and re-elected Tony Aziegbemi as chairman.

    Addressing delegates at the Wike-backed congress, the PDP South South Vice Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, blamed former Governor Godwin Obaseki for the party’s dwindling fortunes in the state.

    Orbih said the PDP’s poor performance in recent by-elections reflected its declining popularity under Obaseki’s leadership.

    He urged party members to elect capable individuals who could revive the PDP in Edo State, while dismissing critics who had advised members not to attend the congress.

    Read Also: NDLEA smashes cocaine cartels behind six UK-bound shipments, arrests arrowhead, five others

    “Just yesterday, I saw a statement from some funny characters advising party members not to attend this event. Are you not here?” Orbih asked. “Those who have no moral authority to speak on behalf of the party should keep their mouths shut.”

    “As we prepare to elect our executive, I will appeal to you to vote for those with the capacity to lead this party, not those who will sell out, not those who will deny members their legitimate right

    “As members of our great party. There is no doubt that PDP is going through a leadership crisis, both at the national level and in several other states.

    “Let us not deceive ourselves. For the first time in the history of our great party, we have elected governors of PDP and founding leaders, founding members of this party, leaving this party every day for one simple reason: failure of leadership.

    “Elected governors are leaving. Elected senators are leaving. Elected members of the House are leaving. In Edo state, we know the root of our problem. We had a united party where everybody related with one another as brothers and sisters, until Godwin Obaseki joined our party.

    “Obaseki destroyed our party. He sowed the seeds of discord, deep-rooted seeds of discord in our party. He sinned against the party. He sinned against the people. He sinned against the state.

    “Obaseki came into the party and destroyed everything good in the party. Today, our party’s umbrella is shattered, torn, and we are here today to rebuild the party.

    “What used to put us together as a family was destroyed by Obaseki. He fought every person except himself, and in the end, we are at a very disadvantaged position in the politics of Edo state.”

    The new factional chairman promised to reunite the party, saying the PDP would soon begin to win elections again in the state.

  • Abuja is safe, says Wike

    Abuja is safe, says Wike

    … As minister inspects key infrastructure projects

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Saturday reassured residents that Abuja is a safe and secure city, while also highlighting significant progress on key infrastructure projects in the Wuye District and Kuje Area Council.

    The Minister said this following a routine inspection of ongoing work on the Wuye District Infrastructure and the Federal Highway 105 from the Umar Musa Yar’Adua Expressway to Kuje township.

    Responding to a question about security concerns in the nation’s capital, Wike, emphasised that there is improved security in the FCT, compared to what obtained in the past, stressing that isolated incidents of insecurity do not define the city’s overall safety.

    “If there is one safe city in this country, I think Abuja is that city,” the Minister stated, noting that the “Light Up Abuja” program, which involves installing solar streetlights across districts and expressways, is also a strategic initiative to further enhance security.

    Read Also: We’ve not been served court order on tinted glass permit – Police

    He said: “The problem we have here is that when one incident happens, we forget that three months ago, nothing happened. You should give us and the security agencies credit that we are doing quite a lot to make Abuja safe, and Abuja has been safe.

    “We do agree that something may happen but that does not mean that Abuja is not safe…I don’t want us to take that to mean that the city is not safe. If there is one safe city in this country, I think Abuja is that city”, Wike added.

    The Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and progress of ongoing projects, noting that Arab Contractors, the firm handling the Wuye District infrastructure, has assured that the project is nearing completion, with the road expected to be finished within 10 days.

    Wike also praised the work on the Airport Road to Kuje dual carriageway, which he had visited multiple times.

    The Minister noted that the 8-lane road will significantly reduce travel time, allowing Kuje residents to reach the city center in just 15 to 20 minutes.

    He assured that the road will be inaugurated during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary celebration.

    He said: “For a regular passerby who knows this area very well, if you come here now, you will give it to them; Arab Contractor has done a good job. You can see how beautiful the landscape is. We believe that, God willing, just as they have promised, with our support, and we will continue to support. Latest, during the third anniversary of Mr. President, we believe that this road will be one of the roads that will be inaugurated to the delight of residents of Kuje and the entire people of Abuja, and of course to the happiness of all Nigerians.

    “The level of infrastructure is such that we have not seen before, and everybody will attest to the fact that if you are living in Kuje, you don’t need to go and find a house in the city to live. By the time this road is commissioned, which is not less than 8-lane dual carriageway, in about 15 or 20 minutes, you are already in the city centre and that’s what development is all about. That’s what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about. So, we are happy”, the Minister stated.

    Addressing sanitation challenges, Wike also confirmed that the FCT Administration is actively removing indiscriminately dumped refuse, particularly along Airport Road and in the Nyanya/Karshi area. He revealed plans to award new contracts for refuse disposal within the next two weeks, promising to select only competent contractors with the capacity to ensure that the city remains clean.

    “We believe that in the next two weeks, the contract will be formally awarded for refuse disposal. That, I can tell you, will help us quite a lot,” he said.

  • Court stops plot to sack Reps Minority Leader, orders parties to maintain status quo

    Court stops plot to sack Reps Minority Leader, orders parties to maintain status quo

    The Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice JO Abdulmalik has halted plans by some members of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives to remove Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) as the Minority Leader of the House for his alleged relationship with the Minister of the FCT, Nyelsom Wike.

    In an order of interim injunction, the court ordered all parties in the suit filed on behalf of Chinda by Dr.JY Musa (SAN) to maintain status quo pending the determination of the suit.

    Defendants in the suit are the National Assembly, the Clerk to the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Clerk to the House of Representatives, the Peoples Democratic Party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, the Labour Party, All Progressive Grand Alliance, Social Democratic Party, Africa Democratic Party and the Young Progressive Party.

    He is seeking an order restraining the defendants, their servants, privies, officers, agents, members, howsoever described from removing him as Minority Leader of the House of Representative without compliance with the due process of the law or accepting/recognizing any exercise by any person(s) purportedly removing him from his position as the Minority Leader of the House.

    In his ruling, the Judge said “it is my considered firm opinion that in order to ensure all the parties listed in these processes have equal playing ground by virtue of their constitutional rights enshrined in Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended), as well as the need to protect the res sought in the application.

    IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AS FOLLOWS:

    “THAT the Applicant SHALL forthwith serve on all the Defendants/Respondents the Motion on Notice with Suit No:-

    FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th  September 2025, along with all relevant processes filed in this matter, so as not to foist a fait accompli on the outcome of the reliefs sought in this application which are also exact same reliefs prayed in the Motion on Notice with Suit No:-

    FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025.

    “THAT the hearing of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:- FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th September 2025,

    SHALL pursuant to Section 6 (6) (b) ofthe 1999 Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended) be EXPEDIENTLY resolved on its MERIT by this Honourable Court for the attainment of Justice in this matter.

    “THAT ALL the concerned parties listed in this application SHALL maintain STATUS QUO in respect of the res prayed on the face of the Motion Ex-Parte pending the hearing and determination on its MERIT of the Motion on Notice with Suit No:-

    FHC/ABJ/CS/1936/2025 filed on 16th

    September 2025.

    “THAT ALL the Defendants/Respondents SHALL be served with Hearing Notices in respect of this matter.”

    In his statement of claim, Chinda is seeking a declaration that the move to remove him from his position as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives on the account of his association with Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the FCT is a clear violation of his right to Freedom of Association as guaranteed by Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    He is also seeking q declaration that the Defendants lack the vires to remove him from his position as the Minority Leader of the House arbitrarily without full compliance with the provisions of Order 7 Rule 14 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, Eleventh Edition and in the manner offensive to all civilized democratic norms.

    He sought an order of injunction restraining the 1st – 5th Defendants, their privies, agents, servants, Officers, howsoever described from giving effect to any exercise or instrument purporting to have removed the Plaintiff by the Defendants in disregard of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) or any Rules or Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.

    In his statement of claim, Chinda said he was a member of the People’s Democratic Party,m and was elected to represent the People of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State, the constituency of the Minister of the FCT.

    Read Also: Court extends order freezing of Osun LG funds till October 9

    According to him, by virtue of having the majority of members  among the minority parties had the option of producing the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and that members of the political parties with minority members nominated him as the Minority Leader, the position which he occupies in the House of Representatives till date.

    He averred that the only reason given for the plot to remove him is that he associates with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, who is also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

    He argued that the eleventh edition of Standing Orders of the House of Representatives makes provisions for the procedures for removing any officer of the House which have not been complied with, rather the said minority members are hell bent on removing the Plaintiff. The said Standing Orders of the House will be relied on at the trial of this suit.

    According to him,  the Standing Orders of the House provides that after due notice to the House, the majority party and the minority parties may change their leader and whip, deputy leader,and deputy whip, provided that the change is made by the majority of the members of the parties in the House themselves, adding that such due process has not been followed in the plot to remove him.

    The House, he said, has been on vacation since 23d of July, 2025 and that majority of the members of the minority parties in the

    House have travelled and there are no majority of members of the minority parties to make or seek for change in the minority leadership of the House.

    He averred that a change of the minority leadership of the House can only be made by the majority of the members of the minority parties in the House themselves after due notice to the House.

    He stressed that while the House was on break, some minority parties of the House, mainly the Peoples Democratic Party, have been having clandestine meetings and lobbying members of the other minority parties to have him removed as Minority Leader of the House before the resumption of the House and to present same to the House on resumption.

    He stressed that any purported exercise removing him from being Minority Leader of the House can only become effective on such exercise being recognized by the Ist-5th defendants. adding that from his cognate legislative experience, overwhelming political pressure is likely to weigh on the parliament  to succumb to the illegal exercise aimed at his removal which is imminent.

    He also said that while the National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party was in progress on Monday 25Ih of August, 2025, some members of the House of Representatives under the auspices of Peoples Democratic Party caucus in the House were also holding meeting where the issue of his immediate removal was discussed.

    He also averred that on the 6th September, 2025, the 6th -12th Defendants met and took a decision to remove him and the Deputy Minority Whip of the House making it clear that the decision to remove him is based on his relationship with the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.

  • Wike vows to end sabotage, darkness in Abuja

    Wike vows to end sabotage, darkness in Abuja

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to put an end to sabotage and punish those stealing streetlights in the nation’s capital.

    Wike said this on Thursday when he officially flagged off Lot 1 and 2 of the transformative ‘Light Up Abuja’ project, which involves the provision of integrated (hybrid) solar lighting across Abuja’s districts and expressways.

    He disclosed that the project was designed to provide uninterrupted light across the various districts and expressways, adding that the initiative was an essential step towards improving security and the city’s aesthetic appeal.

    The FCT Minister emphasised the importance of a well-lit Abuja, which he said was crucial for national pride and development, especially as the city approaches its 50th anniversary in February next year.

    He expressed the belief that the Light Up Abuja project will dramatically transform the city within the next seven months and improve security.

    According to him: “In the next seven months, it will be a different thing. Anybody coming to Abuja, not only will you see good roads, you will see the entire place being lit up”.

    Read Also: Don urges old students to embrace unity

    Wike, who also disclosed that the hybrid solar system comes with surveillance features, said it will enable the immediate identification of anyone attempting to vandalize or steal the facilities.

    He said: “Criminals will run away because when there is light everywhere, by the time they come to steal our facilities, at least you know that people will see you”.

    Recalling the challenges faced in tackling persistent darkness and sabotage in the FCT, the minister revealed that upon assumption of office, he met a situation where nearly 80 percent of the FCT was plunged into darkness at night, directly contributing to a rise in insecurity.

    He also detailed the costly and ineffective cycle of maintenance, noting that previous maintenance contracts were often awarded to “political contractors,” resulting in payments for maintenance without visible results—a practice he described as a “nightmare”.

    To solve the recurring problems of darkness and infrastructure sabotage, Wike said the FCT Administration took a decisive action during an investment-driven trip with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Beijing in 2024, where key agreements were signed with two reputable international firms – Chinese Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) and Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to provide water to the satellite towns, which is currently ongoing, and to light up Abuja.

    Furthermore, the Minister stated that the contracts stipulate that the companies were responsible for the full maintenance of the streetlights for four to five years, thereby eliminating the previous costly and ineffective system of perpetual maintenance.

    Acknowledging the anticipated backlash from those who benefited from the old corrupt system, the Minister said the FCT Administration expects attacks from three main groups – the previous contractors who will now lose their lucrative maintenance contracts, criminal saboteurs who thrived in darkness to steal cables, and corrupt FCTA officials involved in generating maintenance files.

    However, Wike said he is undeterred by any sentiments or political campaigns, emphasizing his commitment to the nation’s interest.

    “We have made a decision. This work must be done, and I will do it with the support of Mr. President, and that is what is key”, he asserted.

    The Minister of State, FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the light up Abuja project as more than just poles and solar panels, but about bringing light where there was darkness, safety where there were fears, and hope where there were doubts, expressing optimism that the initiative will ensure that Abuja continues to shine at night.

    Mahmoud extended profound appreciation to President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the provision of vital infrastructure in the FCT.

    Providing an overview of the Light up Abuja project, the Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda stated that the contract was awarded in two lots to Messrs CCECC and CGC Nigeria Limited, adding that they were expected to complete the work within six months.

    He said Lot 1 covers Maitama, Central Area, Wuse, and Asokoro districts, as well as the Airport Expressway, while Lot 2 covers Katampe, Katampe Extension, Jabi, Garki, Gudu, and Mabushi districts.

    Dauda added that the scope of work includes supply and installation and Retro fitting of Integrated Hybrid Solar Street lighting, fittings of 300 watts solar powered lights with luminous blocks ranging from 7,500 lumens to 17,500 lumens along streets and expressways with other necessary accessories, installation of galvanized street light posts at locations where they need replacement or have been vandalized and installation of surveillance facilities for the street lights.

    He added that the integrated hybrid solar street lighting system, when completed, will illuminate the city and help guard against theft and vandalism, and also provide other benefits like improved security of lives and properties, improved aesthetics and ambience in the streets at night, reduction of electricity bills, maintenance costs, and technical losses.

    Managing Directors of CCECC and CGC Nigeria Ltd, Guan Shuai and Zhang Xiang, respectively, thanked President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for entrusting their companies with the key responsibility and pledged to deploy their best resources to deliver a world-class project that will make Abuja shine brighter and set a benchmark for sustainable urban development.

  • We have made progress, says FCT Minister Nyesom Wike

    We have made progress, says FCT Minister Nyesom Wike

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister  Nyesom Wike said that despite the challenges in the country, the Tinubu administration has made progress.

    He, therefore, urged Nigerians to embrace peace and unity as the government works hard to make their future bright.

    Wike said: “This is a special occasion when we pay tribute to our founding fathers who laboured dauntlessly to birth a formidable country which today stands tall in the comity of nations.

    ‘’It is also a celebration of our brotherhood and unity, which have been woven from the loom of our diversity.

    Read Also: PDP crisis lingers as Anyanwu voids dissolution of Akwa Ibom Exco

      “It is our firm belief that no city can be said to be a city without a good network of roads, hence our focus on road construction. Other sectors are receiving due attention as well.’’

      *NBA  calls for justice 

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)   called on leaders and citizens alike to ensure that justice and fairness remain the foundation of the nation’s progress.

    The association said in a statement by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), that independence should not be viewed merely as a historic event to be celebrated annually but as an ongoing responsibility to safeguard freedom, strengthen democracy, and protect the dignity of every citizen.

    “Independence is not only about sovereignty. it is about ensuring that the rights of every Nigerian are preserved and that no one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection,” the NBA added.

    Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since October 1, 1960, the association  noted that the country’s history has been one of “trials and triumphs, setbacks and renewals.” But the NBA  commended the resilience of Nigerians in keeping faith with the vision of the nation’s founding fathers.

    It urged Nigerians to see the 65th Independence Day as an opportunity not only to reflect but to renew hope and commitment to building a stronger, freer, and more prosperous country.

  • Wike blames saboteurs for rising crime in FCT, pledges tougher security

    Wike blames saboteurs for rising crime in FCT, pledges tougher security

    ‎The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blamed unnamed “saboteurs and selfish political actors” for fuelling insecurity in the nation’s capital, vowing to crush criminal networks that he said are undermining Abuja’s peace and development.

    ‎Delivering his 65th Independence Day message on Tuesday, Wike acknowledged that Abuja’s security situation has worsened in recent months, with kidnappings and violent attacks shaking residents’ confidence in the capital’s safety.

    ‎“This is no time for complacency. Those who profit from chaos or sponsor insecurity to achieve political aims will soon realise that the FCT is not a playground for lawlessness. We are working closely with security agencies to dismantle these criminal rings once and for all,” the minister warned.

    ‎Wike’s remarks mark one of his strongest indictments yet of what he described as “deliberate attempts to embarrass the government and make the FCT ungovernable.”

    READ ALSO: Nigeria @ 65: Wike hails Tinubu’s progress, urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    ‎He urged residents to be vigilant and to report suspicious activities, insisting that security cannot be left to the authorities alone.

    ‎“We cannot be everywhere at once. Every resident has a duty to safeguard their neighbourhoods. This is a fight for our collective survival,” he said.

    ‎While celebrating Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary as a milestone of unity and resilience, Wike said the moment also called for sober reflection on how insecurity threatens the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers.

    ‎“The FCT is the heartbeat of the country, the symbol of our unity. We cannot allow bandits, kidnappers, or their sponsors to tarnish that image,” he said.

    ‎The minister praised residents for backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has brought major infrastructural upgrades, including strategic road projects, rehabilitated schools and hospitals, and support for farmers, youths, and women.

    ‎According to the minister, “No city can claim greatness without modern infrastructure. We have focused on building roads, upgrading health and education facilities, and empowering small businesses to restore faith in government.”

    ‎Looking ahead to the February 2026 Area Council elections, Wike cautioned political actors against stoking violence.

    “Campaign for your candidates with decency and vision, not with thugs and weapons. We will not allow anyone to plunge the FCT into chaos,” he said.

    ‎Wike closed his address with a mix of warning and optimism, “We have a President determined to restore security and improve the lives of citizens. The future of Abuja will not be dictated by criminals or their backers. We will fight for this city, and we will win.”

    ‎