The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the ongoing infrastructural projects across Abuja as a direct fulfilment of President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the nation’s capital.
Wike made this known on Monday while inaugurating the construction of the Mohammed Isa Road Extension in the Asokoro District.
Defending the administration’s performance, Wike dismissed critics who claimed President Tinubu was not delivering on his promises.
“You cannot say the FCT is working and Mr. President is not working. It doesn’t make sense. He is working through us. We carry out his directives and his vision that the FCT must compete favourably with other cities of the world,” the minister said.
He urged Nigerians to acknowledge the visible transformation taking place in the FCT, stressing that if similar developments had been undertaken in the past, current resources could have been channelled to other sectors.
Wike noted that Abuja had changed significantly in the last two years, assuring residents that more progress would follow.
“We have touched transport, we have touched roads, we have touched sports, we have touched education, and now we are touching the health sector. No sector will be left untouched,” he added.
The minister also appealed for patience and continued support for the Tinubu administration, saying the President had demonstrated leadership and commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.
He highlighted the administration’s investment in school rehabilitation, transportation, healthcare, and urban infrastructure as part of efforts to ensure balanced development across the FCT.
Wike further emphasised the importance of tax compliance in sustaining the pace of development.
“All these good roads, drainage systems, and streetlights wouldn’t be possible if you didn’t pay taxes. Try and pay your taxes so we can provide more of these projects,” he said.
Despite serving in President Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, Wike remains a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He has faced accusations of undermining the PDP to favour the ruling party but has consistently maintained his loyalty to the opposition. Tinubu had in June hinted that Wike might defect, but the minister has repeatedly ruled out leaving the PDP.