Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot resolve all of Nigeria’s challenges, even if it remains in power for two decades.
Wike stated this during a media briefing in Abuja, where he addressed concerns over uncommissioned projects and the government’s development efforts.
“I will not say here that every problem has been solved. All problems cannot be solved, even if this government stays for 20 years; no government can solve all problems,” he declared.
However, the minister emphasised that the Tinubu-led administration is prioritising issues that directly impact residents’ welfare.
“But government is solving problems that at least will help improve people’s lives,” he added.
When questioned about the absence of formal commissioning for some completed projects, Wike clarified that only major, high-value infrastructure projects are publicly unveiled.
“It’s not possible for us to commission every project. We take what we think are major, capital-intensive projects, ones where billions of naira have been spent, and showcase those. But when talking about smaller projects, must we commission everything?” he said.
The minister called on the media to collaborate with the government by inspecting completed and ongoing projects alongside mandate secretaries, especially in education and social development.
“We are not saying we’ve done everything. But we are doing what will at least make a difference in the people’s lives, and that’s the whole point of governance,” Wike stated.
He called on critics to acknowledge the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that the government is delivering tangible democratic dividends despite inherited challenges.
Wike made the statement during a live media briefing in Abuja, where he dismissed claims that his administration was focusing development only on high-profile districts without stakeholder involvement.
“We engage stakeholders. I am not bothered that they said the provider of infrastructure is showcasing. Can you provide infrastructure without urban planning? People should appreciate this government,” Wike stated.
He recalled extensive consultations with grassroots communities across the FCT’s six area councils, which he said directly shaped policy decisions.
“When we came on board, we visited the six area councils. We sat with the youths, traditional rulers, and the women. That was the first time stakeholders said, ‘This is our priority,'” he explained.
These engagements, he noted, led to the creation of a youth secretariat and a women’s secretariat, initiatives previously nonexistent in Abuja. “It was a result of engagement with Mr. President,” he added.
Wike challenged critics who questioned stakeholder involvement, asking, “What are people talking about? Non-engagement with stakeholders? Who are the stakeholders? There has been engagement, and stakeholders’ input drives the economy of any country.”
He emphasised that infrastructure and policy stability attract investors, saying, “What brings investors? Will investors bring infrastructure and broadband?
“These are the primary things that investors will see and come and say, ‘I want to establish a private university, hospital, or an agricultural factory.’”
The minister dismissed baseless criticism, humorously referencing a local saying, “People criticise when they don’t have anything to say.
“I will use one local thing we usually say in my place, my people say, ‘When you don’t have anything to say against somebody, you say, ‘See as him be.’”
He urged objectivity, stating, “You must appreciate when a government has done well; you don’t need to like the person in charge.”
Wike stressed that no administration could resolve all inherited problems within two years.
“This is a government that inherited so many issues. You expect someone to do something that hasn’t happened in 10 years since 1999 in two years? It can’t be done,” he argued.
Despite challenges, he affirmed the government’s commitment to progress: “There are challenges, but this administration is addressing them. We mean well for the people.”
