The Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has hinted that the leadership quality of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is bringing governance closer to the residents of the territory.
The Nigerian leader stated this in Abuja on Monday, while inaugurating the newly-constructed access roads in Giri district, executed by the FCT Administration under the leadership of the Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
Commissioning of the Giri District Access road marks the 13th project so far inaugurated, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate President Tinubu’s second year in office.
The President, who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, stated that Wike’s work speaks for itself in every corner of the FCT.
He added that, “From the vast-spaced districts of Maitama, Jahi, Katampe, Wuye, Mabushi and the likes, to the towns of Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari and Abaji, and the growing communities of Kabusa, Ketti and now Giri district, your leadership has brought progress closer to the people.
“You have not only embraced the visions of my administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’, you have localised it, made it meaningful, and made it real.
“Your actions have brought quality and excellence to the dual states of communities long laid in the shadows.
“Honourable minister, on behalf of myself, my administration, and the good people of the FCT, I say thank you for reminding us that good governance is not about fanfare, but about footsteps.”
Presedent Tinubu said that the newly constructed access roads were not just infrastructural achievements, but a statement of intention to open up the Giri district and the FCT.
To the residents of Giri he said: “May these roads lead you to greater opportunities; may they carry your children to school, farmers to markets, families to healthcare and dreams to reality.”
Earlier, the Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, said that the district houses the University of Abuja, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy, and other institutions.
He said that EFCC would be the first beneficiary of the access road, as it would encourage it to commence construction of its academy.
“Most of the problem we’re having here is that sometimes, when you allocate land, there are no facilities, no infrastructure, and people are not encouraged to develop the allocated land.
“So, we will do everything we can to see that basic infrastructure is provided in Giri to become an important district that will attract so many investors.”
The minister further stated that efforts had begun to construct the critical road network in the district.
Wike added that the road network would help to stop land grabbing by the University of Abuja, adding that the university had grabbed 11,000 hectares without authorisation.
“So, I have told the director of lands and other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give it to the university.
“The other ones would be reallocated because we are going to provide the roads here, and that is the true situation,” Wike noted
Speaking in the same vein, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, reiterated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to shape the transformation of the nation’s capital.
“This project is yet another shining example of his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, connectivity, and inclusive growth,” she noted.
While commending the visionary and dynamic leadership of the FCT Minister for accelerating development across the territory, Mahmoud stressed that the road is part of a broader initiative to open up underserved communities and stimulate economic activities within the area councils.
Also speaking, the acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Engr Richard Yonana Dauda, said that the project was awarded in November 2024 to provide access roads to the district, planned to be an institutional area.
He stated that the proposed main sewage treatment plant for the city at Giri was also located within the district.
Dauda added that the construction of the Access road at Giri will not only open up the area but will also boost other economic businesses and farming activities of residents in the area and beyond.