The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Wike

  • Wike in France, meets President Macron

    Wike in France, meets President Macron

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, met with French President Emmanuel Macron as part of the Nigerian delegation accompanying President Bola Tinubu on a three-day state visit to strengthen ties between Nigeria and France.

    The visit, according to the Presidency, aims to deepen bilateral relations across various sectors, including agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, energy transition, and strategic discussions on finance, trade, solid minerals, and investment. 

    Read Also: Abuja residents to Wike: We need your touch in our community

    The visit is expected to yield significant benefits for Nigeria.

  • Abuja residents to Wike: We need your touch in our community

    Abuja residents to Wike: We need your touch in our community

    • Projects will be extended to your area soon – Minister

    Residents of Pegi Community in Kuje Area Council have appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to remember them in his spread of projects across the territory.

    The Community members, who besieged the FCTA Secretariat in their numbers over the weekend to register their solidarity with the minister over his exceptional performance since he assumed office as FCT Minister, pleaded with him to consider the Pegi road which it’s completion has lingered for too long.

    They lamented that the project which was awarded by the previous administration is yet to see the light of day; a situation which they said has given kidnappers and criminals the freedom to carry out their nefarious activities unabated.

    Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, Pegi Community chairman, Revd Fidelis Oban, expressed the Kuje Area Council’s appreciation to the minister for awarding critical life-impacting projects to the area Council in his more than five visits.

    Oban, however, expressed worry that none of those awarded projects extended to Pegi community, an estate of the FCT Administration, that has suffered lack of road since the residents were relocated to the estate.

    Read Also: I won’t give up because of criticisms – Wike

    Also speaking after submitting their letter of appeal to the office of the Minister, Vice chairman of the community, Deji Oyetunji explained that the community has written to the minister on several occasions but was yet to receive a response from his office, hence the need to embark on the solidarity walk.

    Oyetunji however expressed disappointment over their inability to meet the minister on seat.

    Meanwhile, the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has reacting to Pegi Community’s appeal when he flagged-off the re-construction of Army checkpoint/ War college roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, recently, when he assured other communities, particularly Pegi Community in Kuje Area Council, who are yet to benefit from the Renewed Hope Agenda projects of the current administration to remain patient as the administration will extend projects to their area.

  • I won’t give up because of criticisms – Wike

    I won’t give up because of criticisms – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he would not give up on carrying out projects that will have direct impact on residents because of criticisms from people that are against the administration.

    He said this yesterday after inspecting the extension of arterial road (N5) to Ring Road III and ancillary with other ongoing road projects and construction of houses for judges in Abuja.

    Wike explained that he was not bothered about people’s comments because the projects have presidential approval and the backing of the National Assembly.

    According to him, those questioning the building of houses for judges would not deliver if given the opportunity.

    The minister said the projects were also creating employment, which he said is a top priority of the current administration.

    He stated that more youths have been engaged by the contractors handling projects across the territory.

    Read Also: Tinubu seeks Senate’s confirmation of Oluyede as CoAS

    Wike said: “Creation of employment is one of the priority areas of Tinubu’s administration, Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Creation of employment is a top priority. And employment is not necessarily when you’re employed by the government but when you create an opportunity where youths can find a place to work for their own living.

    “Look at the number of youths working at the site. Look at all the roads we have gone to, and look at the number of people that are employed.

    “So, I feel happy that at least we have been able to engage youths. Nothing can make you more comfortable when you see your youths engaged.

    “You can imagine when these jobs are not there, what the number of youths will be doing by now?

    “Who are those criticising? I don’t think about that. I’m not bothered. Once you have a presidential approval to go ahead, and by the backing of the National Assembly, what’s my business about those who are criticising?

    “Those are people who even when you give them the opportunity, they cannot do anything.

    “So, forget about those criticisms. If you have not done it, they are still the ones that will complain that the environment within which our judges and justices are working is not conducive.

    “Now you are trying to provide an environment that will make them well, they will say, oh, it’s for another reason. So, you don’t bother yourself. Now move on and do your work.

    “So, I’m not bothered about the so-called criticism. It does not exist where I am.”

  • People criticising Tinubu’s administration are ignorant – Wike 

    People criticising Tinubu’s administration are ignorant – Wike 

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Minister, Nyesom Wike on Thursday urged Nigerians to continue to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    Wike said the implementation of ongoing reforms of the president will be beneficial to all, adding that those criticizing Tinubu’s administration are ignorant.

    The minister, who spoke when he inspected two different road projects and bridges in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the territory, called for patience and understanding.    

    He said Nigerians would bear testimony to true changes before the end of the administration’s first tenure in 2027.

    He said: “If you say that people have said that they have not seen anything, so these people who are jubilating here, are they not part of the people? I have always said that when something is bad, and I know because of our impatience, I agree, we expect a miracle to just happen. 

    “Now, take for example, the price of goods is still surging. Now, look at this road. If there was no road, why would the price of goods not go high? By the time these roads are completed and the farmers are now going to farm, it will reduce.

    “So, these are part of the strategies. Infrastructure is basic to turning around any economy in any part of the world. If they don’t have basic infrastructure, too bad. That is part of the problems we have had in Abuja here, and we are trying to make sure that we create more infrastructure to open up, not just the city, but also the rural areas, so that the economy will thrive. So that is what I can say.

    Read Also: FCTA to compensate owners of properties on Kuje Road corridor with over N1bn – Wike

    “Criticisms must always be there, and you cannot run away from it. But it is not everything that you have to react to. Let the people see for themselves. But I can tell you, before this administration ends this first tenure, you will see that Nigerians will also say, indeed, things have really changed. Just like you can say that Abuja has changed”.

    He said under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, he would work towards accelerating development both in the city and in the rural areas.

    “You can’t talk about governance or impact of government without touching all areas, be it in the city, be it in the satellite town, which we may refer to as the rural areas. As such, it is the responsibility of every government, and you know under the Renewed Hope agenda, this is the promise Mr. President has made, to rekindle the hope of everybody.

    “Yes, things were bad yesterday, but we are trying to improve to make sure that things will not be bad today or be worse tomorrow. The Aguma Palace road and the road leading to Radio Nigeria and the rest of it, you can see the joy of the residents and those who carry out their business activities.

    “So, when there is a positive impact, the people will always rejoice and say that yes, we are feeling the presence of the government. If you were here that day, we flagged off this road, in fact, the last time I came, there was a culvert that was going on then. But as I was coming, you wouldn’t even notice it again. And I was really asking the company whether this could be achieved. Indeed, it has been achieved.

    “You can see how the residents have trooped out. Nobody who sees good things will not appreciate it, and you see that people are complaining because they have never had any impact on the government. They don’t even know what they are talking about, the government. But now, they can feel, they can see that indeed, there is a government that is working for them to change their lives in a positive way”, he added.

  • Allegations against Wike targeted to stall massive progress – Coalition

    Allegations against Wike targeted to stall massive progress – Coalition

    The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria (CTJN) has said recent allegations against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wilke were aimed at stalling the various massive projects in the nation’s capital.

    The group lauded him for remarkable achievements in transforming the nation’s capital. 

    The CTJN said that accusations against the Minister were to derail the progress and frustrate his efforts.

    The group, after an extensive appraisal of Wike’s achievements, said the Minister has proven critics wrong, demonstrating exceptional leadership and vision.

    Speaking at a birefing in Abuja, its convener Dr. Agabi Emmanuel, said under Wike, infrastructure development has been prioritised, addressing population pressure, urban sprawl, and neglected areas. 

    Agabi noted that the FCT is being transformed into a useful and aesthetically pleasing capital with proactive measures addressing housing, transportation, healthcare, and governance infrastructure.

    He said Wike’s administration has addressed land grabbing, reclaiming illegally occupied lands for mass housing projects. 

    The group also said that Judges have befitting accommodations and rural healthcare has seen significant investment while teacher welfare packages have been improved and the FCT Civil Service Commission has been established to decentralise governance.

    The Coalition recommended continued support from stakeholders, religious and traditional leaders promoting peaceful coexistence, and security agencies maintaining vigilance. Wike’s leadership represents a paradigm shift in governance and infrastructure development, creating a legacy worthy of duplication.

    Given the right support, the group said Nigerians and FCT residents can expect improved living standards. 

    The Coalition commended Wike’s initiatives and encouraged other States to replicate them. 

    “Our findings revealed that the FCT administration under Barrister Neysom Wike indeed prioritized the provision of necessary infrastructures across the various area councils in the federal capital territory.  In the past, the FCT has had problems because of population pressure, urban sprawl, and the disregard for important areas. 

    “Right now, FCT is being transformed into a useful and aesthetically pleasing capital thanks to the proactive measures made by Barrister Wike’s leadership to address these problems. In order to identify priority regions across the many area councils, the administration has used a rigorous approach. 

    “Undoubtedly, a functional road network is a critical factor to urban development, economic activities, and the general well-being of residents. Recognizing this, it was also observed that the FCT Administration under Barrister Nyesom Wike has undertaken a major renovation of the road network within the Federal Capital City Centre. 

    “This is evident in the news look of the city centre and other adjourning areas in the federal capital territory. The FCT administration has also commissioned new roads in areas that were neglected by successive administrations in the country. These efforts are not merely about repairing roads but transforming them to meet modern urban standards.

    “The FCT administration, led by Barrister Wike, has made large investments in security, which is a fundamental component of any flourishing community. The FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has also addressed the notorious issue of land grabbing in the FCT. 

    “The honourable minister went a step further by reclaiming these lands which obviously are not backed with any legal  or verifiable documents, and reallocating them for mass housing developmental projects. This is indeed commendable and a step in the right direction in addressing the housing deficit in the FCT while ensuring that land resources are utilized for the public good.

    “The FCT administration under Barrister Nyesom Wike recently initiated steps towards providing befitting accommodation for judges. This in our opinion is brilliant and a welcome development in line with standard practices in other climes. It is believed that the members of the law deserve dignified living conditions. 

    “Supporting the judiciary is a step toward strengthening governance and promoting sustainable development. The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria recommends this brilliant initiative to other states in the country in our quest for sustainable growth and development.

    “It is indeed a statement of the fact that the FCT administration has made substantial investments in improving access to healthcare for rural dwellers within the FCT. This much was recognized by the Coalition for Truth and Justice in the construction of new healthcare centres and the equipping of existing healthcare centres across the FCT. The value of lives and properties have been at the top priority of the working Minister.

    Read Also: Wike approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for FCTA workers

    “The FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has substantial improvements in the remuneration and welfare packages for school teachers in the FCT. This, in our opinion, is the manifestation of a premium placed on improving workers’ welfare in the FCT towards achieving a productive workforce to aid in the development of the FCT. 

    “The FCT Administration in an attempt to decentralize governance in the FCT, established the FCT Civil Service Commission with the appointment of nine permanent secretaries to oversee critical sectors of the FCT. 

    “The Coalition for Truth and Justice in Nigeria wishes to state in unequivocal terms that the FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike has indeed fared brilliantly in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration. 

    “Barrister Nyesom Wike’s leadership of the FCT administration represents a paradigm shift in governance and infrastructure development which is unmatchable by no one so far. He has created a legacy of transformation that’s worthy of duplicity by any leader that wishes to make a difference. We commend his initiatives and encourage other states to replicate it”.

  • FCT workers to get arrears for three months

    FCT workers to get arrears for three months

    • Oyebanji, Wike settle for 70,000 in Ekiti, FCT
    • Sokoto directs NLC to submit proposal

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has approved the immediate payment of N70,000 new National Minimum Wage to workers of the Administration.

    The minister also announced the payment of three months’ arrears of the new minimum wage to the workers.

    Wike said this would ameliorate the plight of workers in the employ of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the FCT’s acting Head of Civil Service (HCS), Mrs. Grace Adayilo, said the move was part of the minister’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of the workers.

    Mrs. Adayilo said the gesture would further spur the FCTA workers to support the minister in delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Also, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji yesterday approved N70,000 minimum wage for the state’s workers as from December 1.

    The approval followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the state government and leaders of organised labour in the state.

    According to the MoU, the new minimum wage will cover all strata of Ekiti workers as well as pensioners.

    The wage agreement was signed on behalf of the state government by the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, while the labour leaders signed on behalf of the workers.

    Olomojobi said Governor Oyebanji approved the template the way it was presented by the committee and based on the governor’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare and wellbeing.  The HoS described the governor as “worker-friendly” and with the desire for the workers to have the best work environment.

    Read Also: Wike approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for FCTA workers

    “Today is another landmark in the history of Ekiti State as we come together to sign the new minimum wage for Ekiti State public servants. I want to first appreciate our governor, who, on August 31, 2024, put together the committee to negotiate Ekiti State Public Service Minimum Wage. This committee has taken not less than eight weeks to meet to deliberate on the minimum wage for Ekiti State.

    “I want to emphasise that this was a very painstaking process; it was a process that brought to bear the funds available to Ekiti. In the midst of this, Mr. Governor bent forward and backward to accommodate our yearnings. Today, we have agreed on the minimum wage to be paid in Ekiti State.

    “In the past few weeks, we have also put together the consequential adjustment and I am happy to announce that the Governor of Ekiti State is bringing out the best for every public worker in the state.

    “I have had the privilege of looking at what is done across the nation and I congratulate Ekiti state workers for having the best deal. Today we will be endorsing the consequential adjustment, across the state, local government areas, across every parastatals and MDAs in the state. The pensioners are not left out,” Olomojobi said.

  • FCTA to compensate owners of properties on Kuje Road corridor with over N1bn – Wike

    FCTA to compensate owners of properties on Kuje Road corridor with over N1bn – Wike

    …says N70 thousand minimum wage a boost

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will soon begin the payment of N1.1 billion in compensation to property owners along the road corridor leading to Kuje Town.

    Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), announced this on Tuesday, November 19, while inspecting the progress of the road construction, which is expected to be completed next year (2024).

    Wike expressed his satisfaction with the construction and stated that he would promptly approve the disbursement of funds to ensure that payments begin without delay.

    He had previously visited the site where the judges’ quarters are being constructed.

    Wike said: “So, one is really impressed with what we have seen. I have come here to see for myself the report on the valuation of what we are supposed to pay. When I got the files for approval, I said, look, it would be proper for me to see for myself the kind of structures that we are going to pay for.

    “So, I am happy with what I have seen. I will immediately approve it so that they can start paying the compensation so that the work will not be delayed. Well, if I remember vividly, the entire estimate they gave is about 1.1 billion Naira to pay for those whose properties are affected, like some of these buildings you have seen here, down to the community.

    “So, it’s about 1.1 billion and we are going to make it available so that the contractor will not find any excuse for delay. First of all, I am very impressed with what we saw this afternoon. It is progressing as expected. By the grace of God, we believe that by September next year, the contractor will have handed over the structure, which is the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal.

    “I am very impressed with what I have seen. You can also see the construction of the road leading to that area, and the contractor is also doing everything possible to see that he beats up to the time”.

    Read Also: Wike approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for FCTA workers

    On the newly approved N70 thousand Minimum Wage for workers of FCTA, Wike said: “Well, first of all, it is the commitment made by the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda that workers’ wages should be increased, and in line with that, we have also adopted it and have also approved for the payment of the arrears as agreed with the labour.

    “I expect that the workers will also see this as a boost and be more committed for us to achieve the development that is required in the city.”

  • Wike approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for FCTA workers

    Wike approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for FCTA workers

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has approved the immediate payment of N70,000 new National Minimum Wage for staff of the Administration.

    Wike said this is in a bid to ameliorate the plight of workers under the employ of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

    According to a statement  by the Ag. Head of Civil Service of FCT, Mrs. Grace Adayilo and made available to journalists, the Head of Service disclosed that the Minister also granted approval for payment of three months arrears for all staff of the Administration with effect from November, 2024.

    Read Also: In defence of Wike on Abuja demolitions

    The statement further added that the move was part of the commitment of the Minister to the welfare and well-being of the staff.

    According to the Head of Service, the gesture will further spur the entire staff of the Administration to support the Minister to continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Adayilo thanked the Minister for always granting expeditious approval for payment of staff  allowances and claims.

  • Wike, Ojukwu welcome Indian PM on historic visit to Nigeria

    Wike, Ojukwu welcome Indian PM on historic visit to Nigeria

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night arrived in Abuja, on a historic visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations between his country and Nigeria.

    The Prime Minister was received at the airport by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odimegwu-Ojukwu.

    On arrival, Narendra took to his social media handle to express his gratitude for the warm reception.   In a message shared on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) @narendramodi, the Prime Minister said: “Thank you, President Tinubu. Landed a short while ago in Nigeria. Grateful for the warm welcome. May this visit deepen the bilateral friendship between our nations.”

    Also expressing delight to host Narendra, President Bola Tinubu,  in a post on his  official X handle @officialABAT, said, “I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his first visit to Nigeria… Our bilateral discussions will seek to expand the strategic partnership between both countries and enhance cooperation in critical sectors.”

    The meeting, set to take place at the State House in Abuja, marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister in 17 years.

    Read Also; Sokoto: Lamido, Wamakko in supremacy battle

    The last Indian leader to visit Nigeria was Dr. Manmohan Singh in 2007, during which both nations established a strategic partnership.

    The agenda for the visit includes high-level discussions between President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi, focusing on strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, energy, and education.

    Both leaders will also formalise agreements by exchanging signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to bolster collaboration in critical sectors.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga  said President Tinubu will welcome the  Prime Minister for a State Visit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today.

    “President Tinubu and Prime Minister Modi will seek to strengthen Nigeria’s and India’s ties further during their bilateral discussions.

    “Both leaders will exchange signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to enhance collaboration in critical sectors,” the statement said.

    India and Nigeria have shared a long history of collaboration, with India being one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners.

  • Wike will not respond to ‘yahoo yahoo’ activists – Aide 

    Wike will not respond to ‘yahoo yahoo’ activists – Aide 

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike will not give attention to “professional scammers and hustlers” who are masquerading as activists. 

    Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, stated this while reacting to national issues. 

    In a statement on Saturday, the spokesperson to the FCT Minister said most of those jumping from one social media platform to another to speak against the FCT Minister were doing so because he ignored them, making the “Yahoo Yahoo” antics through which they have sustained themselves to fail.

    He said: “While growing up as a child in the hilly town of Okemesi Ekiti, one of the lessons I learned from my grandfather was never to wrestle with pigs. 

    “He was constantly telling us that the danger of wrestling with a pig will be that at the end of the fight, sane minds won’t be able to differentiate between you and the pig you fought with.

    “Therefore, as a matter of principle, we won’t dignify some people with any response.

    “This is more so that we know how a certain emergency activist diverted election money to purchase a petrol station. We know how some so-called activists have fought themselves over protest money, including the one in 2019.

    “In 2016, when I was contesting for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Publicity Secretary, someone approached me, telling me that there will be a lot of money to be made if I emerge. 

    “He said all I needed was for us to work together and that he would be the one to source for information to be used to issue press statements against public office holders. His would be to approach the public office holders concerned and get money out for us. 

    “Today, that fellow is one of those parading themselves as activists. Therefore, we won’t dignify them”.

    Speaking further, Olayinka said: “The style of these hustlers masquerading as activists has always been the same. They will threaten and blackmail you by making noise in the media or organizing protest against you. 

    “They will be the same people that will arrange someone to approach you that the ‘activists’ can be reached and that they can help. The moment you agree, they will come back with bills that you must pay, and once you pay, they move on to another targets, in most cases, public office holders.

    “There are some whose area of core competence is to organize press conference for or against, and get paid.

    “Unfortunately for this hustler-activists, Wike is not one who plays that kind of game, and that’s the reason they are frustrated.

    “Therefore, for us, they will shout, shout and shout tire, the Minister will keep ignoring them and focusing on his jobs, delivery of which can be seen across the FCT.”

    On the issue of grabbing lands, Olayinka challenged those making such allegations to provide evidence of lands owned by anyone, that the FCT Minister grabbed.

    Read Also: You are dependable, Wike celebrates Fayose at 64

    “If supposed educated people are going about calling removal of shanties that are posing security threats to the people land grabbing, obviously, their education is a waste. 

    “People just saw lands that are not occupied and moved their without authorization from anyone. Under the trees, they built houses with planks, covered them with tarpaulin. 

    “For instance, when the FCT Minister visited the shanty in Wuye, which shared fence with a residential estate and is close to a rail-line, the occupants were honest enough to admit that they had no authority from anyone to live there. They also admitted that previous governments had cleared the shanty 21 times and that the recent one was the 22nd time.

    “The occupants’s only request from the FCT Ministry is for them to be relocated to somewhere else, and a meeting was held with their representatives on Tuesday.

    “So if this is what our hustler-activists are referring to as land grabbing, I pity those who still see them as educated,” he said.