The Director who stated this during a visit to the Management of Media Trust Group, publishers of Daily Trust Newspapers, and Owners of Trust TV/Radio in Abuja, Nigeria, said the coming of the present FCT Minister has greatly impacted the infrastructural drive of the FCT Administration.

Sule, who visited Media Trust to felicitate with Ahmed Ibrahim Shekarau on his appointment as the AG Group Chief Executive Officer of Media Trust Group, (MTG) said the appointment of Nyesom Wike as the FCT Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a blessing to the 47-year-old Territory because of the rapid infrastructural development being witnessed across the territory as well as the strict implementation of the Abuja Master plan.

He noted that under the present administration, road projects that were hitherto abandoned by previous governments have now been revived and are being completed.

The Director further stated that the Wike-led Administration focuses on the completion of signature infrastructure projects that would impact significantly on the lives of FCT residents.

Sule therefore called for the support of the Media Trust in projecting the activities of the FCT Administration under the pragmatic leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike who has shown capacity in implementing the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

His words: “I am here to congratulate my brother, for his elevation as the Acting GCEO Media Trust Group. The elevation is for all of us and I assure you of the FCT Administration’s support for you to succeed in this new role. I have confidence in your ability to undertake this task and even surpass your previous records of achievements in the organization. On behalf of the FCT Administration, I wish to formally congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment.”

Responding on behalf of the Management of the Media Trust Group, Ahmed Ibrahim Shekarau, the new Acting GCEO, commended the director of Information and Communications for his proactiveness in promoting and projecting the image and activities of the FCT Administration.

He commended the Director for “discharging his responsibility as can be seen in the timely, factual, and accurate dissemination of information about the FCT Administration through the Abuja Digest Newspaper and Abuja Digest Online.”

His words: “I am a regular reader of Abuja Digest Newspaper and I am very impressed with the quality of news reports you churn out from the platform”.

The Media Manager commended the new FCT Minister for the massive construction of roads and other infrastructural projects in the city saying “Without any doubt, Wike has hit the ground running and it is very clear and I am very happy with what I am seeing”.

Commending the Minister for his efforts, the Group CEO said it is important for the government to communicate its programs, projects, and policies to the public, within the first four years of the Tinubu administration in the country for a buy-in of the citizens.

He called for a strong partnership between his organization and the FCT Adminstration.

The minister made this known in Abuja at the 2023 edition of the Italian Cuisine in the World, which was themed ‘At the Table with Italian Cuisine well-being with taste- The relationship between sports and food’.

Wike, who was represented by the Minister of State of FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmud said agricultural development would birth more collaborations and partnerships between Nigeria and other countries.

In his words: “First on the list of the eight-renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu is the issue of food insecurity. When you talk about food security, one is talking about agriculture.

He further stated that FCT is blessed with vast lands with 800,000 hectares of land, of which 274,000 is for agricultural development.

“The largest population of Nigeria is the youths, which makes Nigeria a productive country. By engaging these youths in agricultural development, a lot of collaborations and partnerships can emerge. Youths are also trained in fish farming among others”, he added

The special guest at the event, Allensandra Capellotto, a retired Champion cyclist from Italy, disclosed that high performance in sports is as a result of a good diet.

Agro Nigeria / Foluke Ibitomi

The Minister gave the assurance after inspecting some of the projects in Abuja to see the level of progress.

Some of the projects visited were the completion of Roads B6, B12 and Circle Road in Central Area and the rehabilitation of the Federal Secretariat, being handled by Julius Berger.

The minister also inspected the construction of the southern Parkway from Christian Centre (S8/9) to Ring Road 1, being handled by Setraco and the expansion of the outer Southern Expressway being handled by CGC.

The project spanned from Villa Roundabout to OSEX/Ring Road 1 Junction, including four interchanges.

Wike equally inspected the full scope development of Arterial Road N20, from Northern Parkway to ONEX with spurs being handled by Gilmor Engineering.

Read Also: Wike reacts to a trending video of sacked Managing Director

After the inspection, the minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, stressing that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu was not a propaganda, but a reality.

“So, sometimes it is good for you (journalists) to join us for inspection and see what we are telling the public, whether it is correct or just mere propaganda.

“The renewed hope agenda is not a propaganda. It is the reality that Nigerians must see. So, I am very happy with what I have seen today.

“If you remember that on Monday, precisely, we were one month in office.

“What we did in the city is to invite all the contractors so that we will be able to identify quick deliverables in the next eight months and inaugurate the projects,” he said.

Wike recalled that no contractor was on site as at the time he assumed office as the FCT Minister, stressing that all the contractors had left the sites due to non-payment.

Expressing a deep belief in Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, the minister said he had been reassuring Nigerians that there would be change “and that change is what you are seeing today.

 “Virtually most major companies have gone back to site – Julius Beggar is on site; Setraco is on site; CGC is on site and Gilmor is on site, just the ones we inspected today.  

 “Other companies are also on site; even though we could not visit them today. 

 “I am happy with B6 and B12, being handled by Julius Berger, you can see the quality of the job, and here we are (Arterial Road), being handled by Gilmor; you can see the quality of the job.

 “We moved to CGC, you can see the quality of job, and we have been to Setraco. 

 “Overall, we want to say that we are happy with what they are doing, and we have planned out how they would be paid so that nobody will leave the sites,” the minister added.

He expressed optimism that by the grace of God, in the next eight months, “all of us will begin to benefit in the construction of these very strategic roads.”

Wike stated this in Abuja, while reacting to a trending video on social media, showing the staff of Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO), crying over the sack of the company’s Managing Director.

The MD and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Najeeb Abdulsalam, was among the 21 heads of parastatals, agencies, and companies of the FCT Administration that were sacked by the minister on Wednesday.

Wike further explained that he would do the right thing for the interest of residents of the FCT and Nigerians at large.

Read Also: FCT Minister Sacks Heads of Parastatals, Agencies

“That is why when I watch people on video, crying that somebody has been removed and that he has been doing well, but the question is, if you have been doing well, where are the buses?

“No sentiment, no emotions will be considered when we are doing what is right. We will do the right thing for the interest of the people. 

 “If you like, carry 20 people, put video and cry as much as you want to cry, it will not bother us. What bothered us is the reality on ground,” the minister said.

He advised political appointees to always prepare to leave office at any time because someone might come and would want to have a total change.

“You are not a civil servant where you will say nobody is supposed to retire me because I am not up to the age of retirement.

“Even as a minister, I can be relieved of my position now. You don’t need to cry; some other people will come and all we pray for is, let us get the best,” Wike said.

The Mandate Secretaries inaugurated are Mr Bitrus Garki, Secretary of the Area Council Services Secretariat, Mr Lawan Geidam, Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat and Mr. Danlami Ihayyo, Secretary of the Education Secretariat.

Others are Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Secretary of Health and Environment Services Secretariat, Mr Salman Dako, Secretary of Legal Services Secretariat, Mr Chinedum Elechi, Secretary of Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership.

Mr. Uboku Nyah was also inaugurated as Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat.

Inaugurating the secretaries in Abuja, Wike stressed the need to address issues affecting the delivery of services in the FCT Administration, particularly the procurement process.

He said: “Transparency, efficiency, and accountability must become the cornerstones of our administration.

“As mandate secretaries, your role in this journey of transformation is pivotal. You are not only advisors but also leaders and implementers of our policies.

“You must translate our vision into tangible actions that will shape the future of the FCT.

“Our President has entrusted us with the monumental task of rebuilding and developing the FCT into a world-class city.

“To achieve this, we must address several key areas that are essential for the progress of our city and the well-being of our residents.”

Wike said that the FCT Administration would give due attention to the development of satellite towns.

He explained that the prosperity and well-being of residents extend beyond the city centre, stressing the need to ensure that all areas of the FCT experience progress and development.

He added that part of the mission includes the enhancement of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through innovative ways to raise the needed funds to support the development agenda.

This, according to him, is crucial to finance ambitious projects and initiatives.

The minister identified public transportation as a major challenge that must be addressed comprehensively.

According to him, no modern city can function effectively and efficiently without a reliable and comprehensive public transportation system.

He reiterated the Administration’s commitment to establishing an integrated and efficient transport network that meets the needs of residents.

On environment, Wike noted that clean and well-maintained surroundings were not only a reflection of a city’s pride but also a fundamental requirement for a healthy and prosperous community.

He pointed out that it was a collective responsibility of both the government and the citizens, stressing the need for collaboration to ensure a cleaner and greener FCT.

He also promised to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies and communities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

“In addition to these, we will place significant emphasis on the social sector. There is a pressing need to uplift our education, agriculture, and health sectors to world-class standards.

“A well-educated and healthy population is the foundation of any prosperous city, and we must provide our citizens with access to quality education, healthcare, and agricultural opportunities.

“Furthermore, our tourism sector holds tremendous potential for economic growth and job creation.

“We will work diligently to promote and develop our unique cultural and natural assets to attract both local and international visitors, thereby boosting our economy,” he said.

On the Abuja Master Plan, Wike said that all infractions would be dealt with decisively, and non-compliant buildings would be subject to appropriate measures, including removal and penalties.

He added that relevant laws would be closely examined and strengthened, and closed any loopholes that offenders may exploit to the detriment of the Administration and the people of the FCT.

The Minister, while addressing pressing matters that demand decisive action to rectify dire circumstances in Abuja, asserted that this approach would facilitate the timely execution of specific initiatives without undue dependence solely on budgetary provisions.

He consequently recommended that any individuals who are avoiding the payment of ground rents and taxes owed to FCTA should promptly settle their debts. He also emphasized that regardless of their social status, the Administration will not hesitate to take action against defaulters to collect what is rightfully due for FCTA.

The FCT Minister expresses concern over the fact that it is predominantly members of the elite who are responsible for obstructing the efforts of the FCT Administration to reinstate the Abuja master plan.

The Minister utilized the platform to allude to the 825m naira restitution for native landowners whose lands were earmarked for the development of Abuja airport’s second runway. Consequently, he instructed the Permanent Secretary to disburse said funds before the week’s end to expedite and streamline the construction process of said runway.

Wike further revealed that his administration is burdened with debt (garnishee order) in tune to the sum of eight hundred million dollars against the administration in court, hence, the need to beam searchlight on IGR to fund projects, given the dwindling National budgetary allocation.

Speaking on the impact of the order on the economy, the Minister said the debt is enough to fund the budget of the FCTA for 10 years.

“How do you survive it? Who are those responsible for this? That there are no projects in the territory, everything has been abandoned. There is a garnishee order of $800m. Do you know what we are talking about? How do we survive it? Go and see what happened. Garnishee orders here and there. 

“The place is just corrupt… How do we survive it? Then you now said that we have come and that we should do miracles, which miracle? Where will I get the money to go and pay $800m?” Wike lamented.

The Minister stated this in Abuja on Tuesday, while briefing newsmen at the end of a closed-door meeting with members of the Jiwa community and other stakeholders.

Wike said that the amount would be paid through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for compensation and resettlement of the people of the Jiwa community affected by the project.

He added that as part of the incentive, the 12 people from the community would be employed by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its agencies and 10 by FCTA.

He added that the government would also construct Tuga Madaki bridged along with a five-kilometre road from the bridge to the community for easy movement of the people.

The minister explained that the project would be captured in the 2024 budget of the FCTA.

Wike also said that FCTA would equally provide a modern health facility providing quality health care services for people of the community.

He said that an undertaking and an agreement between the government and the community would be signed.

He identified the signatories as the permanent secretaries of FCTA and Ministry of Aviation, the Chief of Jiwa, the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Council and the Commissioner of Public Complaint Commission.

“If that is done today, and tomorrow or next tomorrow the money is paid to them, contractors will no longer delay. They have to move to the site immediately and commence work.

“So, the second runway has come to stay,” he said.

He said that the current administration was determined to ensure that the second runway was delivered.

He commended the Chief of Jiwa, Alhaji Isa Idris, for mobilising his people to attend the meeting to resolve the crises.

His counterpart from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barr. Festus Keyamo said that he met the issue at his table, adding that the project ought to have been delivered in July.

Keyamo said that the contractors could not be mobilised because of the issue of compensation.

Earlier today, I met my counterparts in the FCT and Foreign Affairs Ministries to jointly resolve issues involving our Ministries.

The first is to jointly work with the FCT Ministry to resolve the issue of the FCT indigenes who need to be compensated and relocated before the… pic.twitter.com/1uNd7o5smv

— Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) (@fkeyamo) August 24, 2023

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, said that the completion of the project requires the support of all relevant stakeholders.

Adesola commended Wike for the intervention to ensure a quick resolution of the issue.

Dr Emmanuel Meribole, Permanent Secretary of the Minster of Aviation and Aerospace Development, said that the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council in March 2022.

Meribole said that the project was awarded to four contractors in April with CCECC Nigeria Limited as the major contractor, adding however that the project was stalled because of the disagreement over compensation.

Earlier, the Chief of Jiwa, said that the Ministry of Aviation through its consultant had earlier pegged the compensation at N2.5 million per hectare, for the 12,000 hectares allocated for the project.

Idris further said that the amount was later reviewed downward to N700,000 per hectare when FCTA took over the discussion as the rightful authority to determine how much compensation to be paid.

He said that the community took the matter to the Public Complaint Commission to resolve the issue amicably.

The community leader said that his people were concerned that the N700,000 being offered per hectare would not be enough for the affected persons to acquire another land.

The Minister stated this in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with contractors handling different projects in the FCT.

Wike specifically stated that the Millennium Tower at Central Area, Abuja will be completed in two years, He said the Tower is a multifunctional edifice with facilities for cultural exposition, tourism, socialisation, recreation, hospitality, and commercial activities.

1/2
MEETING WITH CONTRACTORS HANDLING PROJECTS IN THE FCT#RenewedHope#NoExcuses pic.twitter.com/yxtZV1yBB3

— Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (@GovWike) August 29, 2023

The project is being handled by Salini Construction Nigeria Limited which abandoned the project due to a lack of funds.

He said that the Millennium Tower project was a very important project that would change the landscape of Abuja city.

“It is a very very ambitious project, but again if we are talking of Abuja being one of the best cities in the world, then we must have such a facility.

“I can tell you it is not easy to go into that project, but we have decided that whatever it takes, it is going to be one of the legacy projects for President Bola Tinubu.

“We are looking at the next two years if the way we are going to structure our payment is agreeable with the contractor,” Wike said.

to ensure contractors return to site and complete their jobs.

To achieve this goal the FCTA would be doing things differently. We would tie our Internally Generated Revenue to specific projects to ensure they are adequately funded. pic.twitter.com/eLJEGGcYed

— Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (@GovWike) August 29, 2023

It was gathered that the project, conceived in 2005 had reached 40 per cent completion, and is expected to, upon completion, self-finance itself from revenues generated from all the commercial activities in the complex.

The scope of the project comprises a cultural centre with four museums and an expansive arcade consisting of a 40,000m2 platform for hosting national and other events.

It also consists of a five-star hotel with 55 luxury rooms and nine suites for about 130 persons, offices, passive and active recreational facilities, 1200 capacity auditorium, conference rooms,

Others are exhibition halls, shops, a sports centre with an indoor pool, gyms, fitness, squash courts and a two-level 1,200 capacity basement car park.

The Millennium Tower itself is a 170-meter-tall structure accommodating a revolving panoramic restaurant for more than 130 diners.

The minister added that a careful analysis of all the awarded contracts with the contractors and his team has revealed that most of the projects were abandoned for lack of funds.

“The Minister of State, myself, the permanent secretary, and directors have concluded that it is not possible to carry on with the entire projects in the FCT.

“Therefore, we agreed to take them in order of priority. We have tried to work out most of the projects being handled by Julius Berger and agreed to see that these projects are fully completed,” he said.

On the Abuja light rail rehabilitation project, the minister said that an agreement has been concluded with CCECC Nigeria Limited to give them their money in the next two days so they can go to work.

“We are also discussing with the company the operation cost because it will not be good to rehabilitate and then you cannot operate.

“We have told them that on Thursday, we are going to meet to talk about the operation cost,” he said.

Wike pointed out that part of the problems of the projects was because they were not being funded by the national budget.

He said that given the funding challenge, the ministry would pick some projects that could be completed within a specific period and then decide on what to do again in the following year.

He made this statement in Abuja on Monday after a closed-door meeting with contractors handling different projects in the FCT.

The Federal Government had announced on August 17 that each state of the federation, including the FCT, would receive N5 billion in palliatives to help mitigate the impact of the removal of the petrol subsidy.

However, the minister said that the FCT was not included in the N5 billion palliative until he wrote a memo informing President Bola Tinubu of the development.

He added that Tinubu has approved the amount, adding that other states have received N2 billion already, expressing confidence that the FCT will equally receive soon.

“But we are yet to decide on what to do with the N2 billion palliative. We have not chosen any area yet.

“Are we going to concentrate on food, but we are thinking that the issue of transportation is very very important, particularly the urban mass transit.

“People would like to have easy transportation to go to where they want to go, and if you give them rice and they eat the rice today, what about transportation tomorrow?

“So, we have not come up with what actually we are going to use the money for, but I believe food support and transportation is very key,” he said.

The minister added that efforts were ongoing to bring back urban mass transportation to be able to reduce the suffering of the masses in terms of transportation.

According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Press Office Director, Mr Anthony Ogunleye, the Minister expressed gratitude for the warm wishes and support from the public. However, he strongly urges an end to the placement of such billboards and advertisements.

The statement further notes that the Minister recognizes the significant amount of goodwill received from both FCT residents and others outside the territory. He understands the sentiments behind these congratulatory displays and genuinely appreciates the support shown.

It further stressed that, in the spirit of public service and commitment to his responsibilities, the Minister wishes to focus his full attention on assisting the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in realizing his vision and Renewed Hope agenda for Nigeria.

According to the statement, ” As the FCT Minister, his foremost duty lies in contributing to the development and growth of the FCT and the well-being of its residents and the nation as a whole.

The Minister holds in high regard, the aspirations and expectations of the FCT residents, and he remains dedicated to fulfilling his role with utmost sincerity and dedication. He believes that this can be best achieved by concentrating all efforts on the task at hand and joining hands with fellow public servants to serve the country to the best of their abilities.

Chief E.N. Wike sincerely hopes that the public will understand his perspective and continue to extend their support and cooperation“, it noted.

The statement stressed further that, the Minister looks forward to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to build a stronger, more prosperous, and united FCT and Nigeria.