FCT Getting Better Under Wike 50 Years After Creation —Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has praised the performance of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying Abuja is witnessing significant transformation under his leadership, 50 years after the creation of the nation’s capital.

Tinubu made the remarks at a special thanksgiving dinner held in Abuja to celebrate the inauguration of 31 projects across the FCT within 28 days.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President commended Wike and his team for what he described as their sacrifices and commitment to making the nation’s capital work for all Nigerians.

He said Wike had demonstrated that true leadership is reflected in visible results rather than promises.

“Leadership is not measured by how loudly one announces plans, but how clearly the people can see the results of the plans,” Tinubu said.

Describing the FCT as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity, Tinubu said Abuja belongs to every Nigerian regardless of ethnic or religious background.

“The FCT belongs to every Nigerian. It is a city where unity resides, where diversity meets, and where the hope of every citizen finds a common address.

“Every new road done here shortens somebody’s journey. Every new bridge connects more than communities; it connects friendship, it connects love, it connects unity, and also connects opportunities for Nigerians.

“Every completed project quietly tells Nigerians that the government can still work when vision meets determination,” he added.

The President’s commendation came amid growing praise for the FCT administration following the completion and commissioning of several infrastructure projects across the territory.

Also speaking, former FCT Minister and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Modibbo, described Wike as one of the most effective ministers to have managed the nation’s capital.

Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Modibbo expressed confidence that Wike would continue as FCT Minister if Tinubu secures a second term in office.

“Four years is not enough to complete what you have started,” he said.

In his remarks, Wike recalled that when he assumed office in August 2023, he inherited a civil service that was demoralised and lacked the motivation needed to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, working alongside the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the administration introduced reforms, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, which now allows civil servants to attain the positions of Permanent Secretary and Head of Civil Service.

He said President Tinubu approved the reforms to boost workers’ morale and improve service delivery.

The minister noted that the renewed motivation among workers translated into improved project delivery, with nine projects commissioned during Tinubu’s first year in office, 19 in the second year and 31 in the third year.

Wike also attributed the pace of infrastructure development to the removal of the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), saying the move enabled the administration to access commercial bank financing for critical projects.

He commended contractors for delivering projects on schedule and maintaining quality standards.

“Comparatively, what Tinubu has done and will continue to do in the FCT is unprecedented. Most of the projects we completed were not initiated by the current administration, and 70 per cent of them were abandoned projects.

“The only project that was not completed is the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX),” Wike said.

The minister also assured the President of political support from Rivers State ahead of the next general election.

“We will continue to support Mr President. Our Rainbow Coalition will consume any opposition in Rivers State,” he declared.

Also lending his voice, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described Wike as the best-performing FCT minister to date.

Represented by the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Abbas said Abuja had experienced “monumental and unprecedented transformation” under Wike’s leadership.

Speaking on behalf of contractors, Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, praised the Tinubu administration for prioritising infrastructure development and commended the FCT minister for driving the capital city’s transformation.

He noted that contractors had witnessed an unusually high number of project commissioning ceremonies in recent weeks.

“Some of the contractors have seen more ribbon-cutting ceremonies in the past days than in the previous years,” Lubasch said.

He added, “Without any sense of immodesty, we are proud that we have been an integral part of Abuja’s story from its formative years to the present day.”

The thanksgiving dinner marked the conclusion of a month-long commissioning exercise during which 31 infrastructure projects were inaugurated across the Federal Capital Territory as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office.