The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has turned the commissioning of the newly completed Apo-Wassa access road into a podium of accountability, daring critics of the FCT Administration’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) reforms especially those who opposed ground rent collections to come and witness what their payments had delivered to the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The Minister gave the hints while Commissioningg the newly commissioned Apo Wasa dua carriage Way in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
Wike revealed that, “To those always shouting ‘Ground Rent! Ground Rent!’ come and see what your ground rent has done. This is 15 kilometers of economic opportunity unlocked,” Wike declared to a crowd of cheering residents and stakeholders.
The newly commissioned dual carriageway links Apo to Wassa, slicing through difficult terrain, including over 500 meters of rock, to provide a modern access corridor that opens up vast tracts of previously inaccessible land.
“This place used to be a nightmare. Ask anyone who passed through here you had to leave hours early if you had any hope of making it to the city on time. Now, with this road, not only are we saving time, but we’re also stimulating economic activity and raising the value of adjoining communities,” he said.
The 15-kilometre road is more than just a passageway it’s a corridor of transformation. Wike highlighted how the new access route connects fast-growing satellite communities such as Wassa, Takushara, Ketti, and Kabusa, reducing commuting times and opening up land for real estate development, commerce, and public services.
“You no longer have to crowd into the city center to enjoy good roads or fast access. From Ketti to the Central Area now takes just 10 minutes. That’s what integrated development looks like,” he said.
He noted that many of these communities had long been neglected despite their growing populations, but that era is now over under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Wike attributed the successful completion of the project to the consistent and unreserved support of President Tinubu, saying the President had not only entrusted him with a position but also provided the political will and financial support needed to deliver.
“You can be given an office, but without support, you’ll only sit there doing nothing. Mr. President gave us the responsibility and the backing and that’s why today, we’re delivering,” he said.
In a jab at those who have criticized the administration’s alliance with Tinubu, Wike said: “Some people are angry that the President supports us. But support is not dashed out you have to earn it. If you want it, go and work for it.”
Wike drew a sharp contrast between what he described as “governance-by-flag-off” and real delivery, noting that the FCT is currently undergoing 17 days of continuous project commissioning not groundbreaking ceremonies or empty declarations.
“This is not about calling cameras to show where a project may start. This is about showing you what we’ve completed. We are not here to flag off. We are here to commission,” he emphasised.
He challenged anyone still in doubt about the administration’s performance to take a drive through Wassa Junction and judge for themselves.
“Go and see with your own eyes. If you still don’t believe it, then choose to remain blind but don’t mislead others,” he warned.
The Minister also used the occasion to extend gratitude to the leadership of the National Assembly particularly the Senate President and the Speaker of the House for their critical support in ensuring the smooth passage of FCT budget appropriations and development policies.
“Without their legislative backing, timely funding of projects like this would be impossible. We thank them for believing in what we’re doing and ensuring that development doesn’t get lost in bureaucracy,” he said.
Wike concluded by calling on residents of the FCT to appreciate the visible transformation across the territory and to resist being swayed by political actors who he said offer “noise, not progress.”
“This road you see here today is funded by the resources we generated internally by the same ground rent people complain about. That’s how governance works. You pay your dues, and you get results. That’s what we’ve done.”
He promised that the administration will continue to deliver projects with speed, integrity, and impact.
Wike added that seventeen days of delivery is a commitment.
Lateefah Ibrahim