The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the ongoing infrastructural projects across Abuja demonstrate President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to making the capital city compete favorably with the best cities in the world.
Speaking during the commencement of a new road project in Asokoro, Wike said the exercise marked the tenth day of consecutive project inaugurations across various parts of the FCT, from roads and water projects to street lighting and urban renewal schemes.
“Today is the tenth day of our flagging off of various projects, whether in the satellite towns or within the city — roads, water projects, lighting up Abuja and more,” Wike stated.
The minister, who addressed residents and stakeholders at the event, recounted how a known critic of the Tinubu administration had once challenged him about neglecting the Asokoro Extension.
According to him, the critic’s remarks ironically acknowledged the scale of infrastructure development being undertaken by the government.
“One of the major critics of this government came to me and said, ‘You have been providing infrastructure in all the other cities, what about us in Asokoro Extension?.
“I told him, so you have identified that Mr. President, through us has been providing infrastructure elsewhere. Why then do you say this government is doing nothing?,” Wike recalled.
He stressed that the transformation of Abuja was a direct reflection of President Tinubu’s vision for the FCT and his clear instructions to make the capital a modern and functional city.
“You cannot say FCT is working and Mr. President is not working. It doesn’t make sense. Through us, we carry out his directives and vision — that FCT must compete favorably with other cities of the world,” Wike said.
The minister noted that the Asokoro project would provide new roads, drainage systems, and street lights, which would in turn improve living conditions and stimulate local employment.
“Look at the topography. By the time these roads are completed, the drainages are put in place, and the street lights come on, what are we talking about? Look at the employment being created every day. One company here, another tomorrow, that’s job creation,” he said.
Wike also highlighted the administration’s determination to bring infrastructural development to every sector; from education and healthcare to sports and transportation.
“Before now, we had started rehabilitating not less than 70 primary and secondary schools. In this phase, we will flag off another 40 schools. And we’re moving to the health sector. I have already directed the Mandate Secretary of Health to begin implementing the 2025 capital projects,” he revealed.
The FCT Minister also emphasised the importance of tax compliance for sustaining development.
He said, “‘Dis soup sweet, na money kill am. If you don’t have money to buy proper fish, meat, and stockfish, the soup will look like ordinary water. But when there’s money, the soup attracts you. Even if you’ve eaten ten times, you’ll still want to taste it.”
He then urged residents to pay their taxes, while describing it as a civic duty that directly fuels public infrastructure.
“All these good roads, drainages, and streetlights wouldn’t be possible if you don’t pay your taxes. So, try and pay so we can provide more roads and keep our environment clean,” Wike appealed.
Wike further called for patience and continued support for the Tinubu administration, saying that visible progress takes time but is already transforming the FCT.
“Let Nigerians be truthful to themselves. If these things were done before now, we would have moved to other priorities. But because they were not done, we cannot ignore them. This government is putting Abuja in proper perspective, and with time, it will only get better.
“The way Abuja was two years ago is not the way it is today, and it will not be the same by tomorrow. By the grace of God, every part of this city will feel the impact of this administration,” He added.
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