President Bola Tinubu has praised the transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, under the leadership of the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, saying the nation’s capital has witnessed remarkable progress 50 years after its creation.
The President made the remarks on Friday in Abuja during a special thanksgiving dinner held to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 projects across the FCT within 28 days.
Represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu commended Wike and his team for their dedication and sacrifices in ensuring that the nation’s capital delivers improved services and infrastructure for all Nigerians.
He said Wike had demonstrated that true leadership is reflected not in grand promises but in tangible results that positively impact the lives of citizens.
Describing Abuja as a symbol of national unity, Tinubu said the FCT belongs to every Nigerian, where diversity thrives and the aspirations of citizens converge.
“Every new road constructed shortens someone’s journey. Every new bridge connects not only communities but also friendships, opportunities and national unity.
“Every completed project quietly reassures Nigerians that government can still deliver when vision is matched with determination,” he said.
Former Minister of the FCT and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Mr Aliyu Modibbo, described Wike as one of the most accomplished FCT ministers in the country’s history.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Modibbo expressed confidence that Wike would retain his position in Tinubu’s second term, noting that four years would not be sufficient to complete the ongoing transformation of the territory.
In his remarks, Wike recalled that when he assumed office in August 2023, he met a demoralised civil service that lacked the motivation needed to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said he and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, revitalised the service through the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, enabling civil servants to attain the positions of Permanent Secretary and Head of Service.
According to him, President Tinubu approved the reforms to boost staff morale and enhance productivity in the administration of the territory.
The minister noted that the renewed motivation among workers had translated into improved project delivery, with nine projects inaugurated in Tinubu’s first year in office, 19 in the second year and 31 in the third year.
Wike also attributed the administration’s achievements to the removal of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which has enabled the administration to access financing from commercial banks for critical infrastructure projects.
He commended contractors for the quality and timely delivery of projects and pledged continued collaboration to improve the living standards of FCT residents.
“Compared with previous administrations, what President Tinubu has achieved and continues to achieve in the FCT is unprecedented. Most of the projects we completed were inherited and had been abandoned for years.
“The only project yet to be completed is the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX),” Wike said.
He also assured the President of overwhelming political support from Rivers State, expressing confidence that his Rainbow Coalition would overcome any opposition in the state.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described Wike as the best-performing FCT minister to date, commending his commitment to transforming the nation’s capital.
Represented by the House Majority Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, Abbas said Abuja had undergone an unprecedented physical transformation under Wike’s leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, said many contractors had witnessed more project inauguration ceremonies in recent weeks than in several previous years combined.
Lubasch commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure, economic growth and national development, while praising Wike for his vision, strategic planning and sustained investment in transforming Abuja into one of Africa’s finest purpose-built capitals.
“Without any sense of immodesty, we are proud to have been an integral part of Abuja’s development from its formative years to the present day,” he said.
