The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has noted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working to reshape Abuja into a capital city that better represents the nation.
Wike made this known on Sunday at a thanksgiving service held at St. James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro, Abuja. The service was organised to mark the successful completion of project inaugurations carried out by President Tinubu in celebration of his second year in office.
According to Wike, before President Tinubu took office, little progress was being made in Abuja. He explained that the capital city lacked proper infrastructure and direction until Tinubu’s leadership brought renewed attention and action.
Wike said Abuja had undergone clear improvements in recent times, and many residents have already noticed the difference.
“This is because you have a government that is determined to make the needed changes,” Wike said, crediting Tinubu’s commitment to building a capital city Nigerians can be proud of.
He noted that while the city isn’t perfect yet, visible progress is being made. He recalled the president’s directive for him to get to work and ensure real changes in the FCT.
Wike shared that one of the major challenges was the poor condition of roads and other key infrastructure, but added that those problems are now being fixed.
He appealed to both residents and Nigerians in general to be patient and give the administration more time to show what Abuja can truly become.
Wike also touched on the resistance he initially faced upon his appointment as FCT Minister. Some people opposed him, not because of his qualifications, but because he is not from a specific region. He called this mindset “unfortunate.”
Despite these challenges, he praised Tinubu for sticking to his decision to appoint capable people who are willing to work hard to develop the capital. “We are contributing our own quota and it is left for the people to judge our performance,” Wike added.
He shared several changes the administration has made in the civil service system of the FCT. For the first time, the FCT now appoints its own Permanent Secretaries instead of depending on those posted from the main civil service. He said this allows civil servants in the FCT to grow in their careers and retire with higher ranks.
Wike also revealed that the FCT now has its own Head of Service, who is a woman and an indigene of the FCT. He described this as a big step forward for representation and career advancement in the territory’s civil service.
Another major change Wike pointed out was Tinubu’s decision to remove the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). According to him, this move has given the FCT better access to funds and made it easier to carry out major development projects.
Speaking on the recently completed projects, Wike said a total of 17 projects were commissioned within 16 days. He described the work as difficult but successful, thanking God for the safety and teamwork that made it possible.
He added that the thanksgiving service was necessary to express gratitude for the strength and grace that carried the team through the rigorous period.
