By FAVOUR ISHEMBER

As Nigeria marks 26 years of democratic governance, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the leadership of Barr Nyesom Wike has recorded significant milestones in various sectors. From infrastructure development to healthcare and education, Wike’s administration has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of FCT residents.

Urban and Rural Roads Infrastructure

One of the most notable achievements of Wike’s administration is the development of urban and rural roads. The FCTA has constructed and renovated several key roads, including the Apo-Wassa road, N16 interchange, and Inner Northern Expressway. These projects have not only improved traffic flow but also enhanced connectivity between different parts of the city.

The administration has also prioritized rural roads, recognizing their importance in driving development and reducing urban-rural migration.

The construction of roads like the Ushafa road and Kuje-Gwagwalada road dualization has improved access to rural areas and opened up new economic opportunities.

Streetlights and Bus Terminals

The FCTA has also invested in streetlights, even in rural areas, recognizing their importance in enhancing security and safety. The upgrade of streetlights on Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (Ring Road I) is a significant step towards improving nighttime visibility and reducing crime.

The development of new bus terminals in Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils is another notable achievement. These terminals will provide safe and convenient travel options for residents, reducing the risk of armed robbery and improving overall security.

Healthcare

Wike’s administration has made significant strides in healthcare, including the procurement of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners. These machines will improve diagnostics and enhance access to quality medical care in FCT hospitals.

Education

The FCTA has also invested in education, renovating and furnishing over 60 public schools across the territory. This initiative will improve the learning environment and provide students with better facilities, enhancing their educational outcomes.

Road Safety

The FCTA has also taken steps to improve road safety, warning against traffic violators and impounding vehicles of those who flout traffic rules.

The administration has also established a Mobile Court to prosecute and penalize erring drivers.

Projects Commissioning:

To mark President Tinubu’s second-year anniversary, the FCTA, under Barr Nyesom Wike watch has earmarked 19 days for projects commissioning, starting from June 10, 2025. Some of the projects scheduled for commissioning include the newly renovated Abuja International Conference Centre, Bus Terminals in Kugbo and Mabushi, and several road projects.

The commissioning of these projects will showcase the administration’s commitment to development and its focus on delivering results. As the FCTA continues to work towards improving the lives of residents, it is clear that Wike’s leadership has brought significant positive change to the territory.

Wike’s Exceptional Leadership has poised as a beacon of hope for FCT Residents, thus the leadership and members of the National Assembly have lauded the exceptional performance of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing his transformative leadership and commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to FCT residents.

When Wike appeared before the lawmakers to defend the N1.78 trillion FCT Statutory Budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year, he received widespread commendation for his administration’s achievements.

Unanimous Praise from Lawmakers:

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Ibrahim Bomai, commended Wike for his wonderful performance in just a short time as FCT minister, alongside FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.

Bomai was impressed with the FCT’s 2025 revenue and fiscal framework, noting that it was the first time the FCT proposed to generate about N1.7 trillion. He described the budget as one of the best so far, highlighting the significant improvement in the projected Internally Generated Revenue for 2025.

Other lawmakers echoed Bomai’s sentiments, with Sen. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central, PDP) commending Wike for the comprehensive turnaround of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital city. Ningi urged Wike to do more in improving security in the territory, while Sen. Mohammed Ndume (Borno South APC) praised Wike’s performance, saying that everyone knows the difference he has made in just two years.

Commendation for Fiscal Prudence-

Sen. Osita Ozunaso (Imo West, APC) commended Wike for reducing personnel costs to allocate more funds to capital projects. Ozunaso noted that Wike’s administration had allocated N21 billion less to personnel costs in the 2025 proposed budget compared to the previous year. He also praised the minister for prioritizing capital expenditure over recurrent expenditure.

Recognition of Rural Development Efforts-

Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North, APC) described Wike as one of the best ministers under the APC administration, citing his efforts to bring development to rural communities in FCT. Oshiomhole commended Wike for implementing programs that decongest the city by taking development to the people where they live.

Even Sen. Ireti Kingibe (FCT, LP), who had been critical of Wike’s leadership style, acknowledged the minister’s visible performance, saying it was undisputable.

Support from House of Representatives-

The House of Representatives also commended Wike’s performance, with the Chairman of the Committee on FCT, Rep. Muktar Betara, praising the minister for the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital. Other lawmakers echoed Betara’s sentiments, applauding Wike’s dedication to delivering dividends of democracy to FCT residents.

A Budget that Reflects Vision-

Wike’s budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year reflects his administration’s commitment to capital projects, with N1.28 trillion earmarked for capital expenditure, representing 72.3% of the total budget. The minister appealed to lawmakers to approve the budget, emphasizing the need for continued support to deliver development to FCT residents.

Wike’s exceptional leadership has earned him widespread recognition and commendation from the National Assembly. His commitment to fiscal prudence, rural development, and delivering dividends of democracy to FCT residents has made a significant impact on the territory.

As he continues to work towards transforming the FCT, it is clear that his leadership will remain a beacon of hope for residents.

However, insecurity remains a major challenge facing the nation’s capital city, as the Minister tackle
Insecurity in Abuja, he calls for Coordinated National Support.

The nation’s capital city, Abuja, is grappling with intricate security challenges that require coordinated national support to effectively address. Barr Nyesom Wike, has sounded the alarm, highlighting the territory’s unique status as the seat of the Presidency, National Assembly, and foreign diplomatic missions.

As city that requires total security architecture, Wike emphasized that Abuja’s security cannot be handled alone, given its national importance.

Thus, the FCT Administration is collaborating with key federal agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Department of State Services (DSS), and Inspector-General of Police, to bolster security. “This city requires total security architecture because of its national importance,” Wike added.

Insecurity in Abuja is a complex issue, with incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other crimes on the rise. Wike expressed frustration over the lack of functional surveillance infrastructure, such as CCTV cameras, citing political sabotage and bureaucratic bottlenecks as major obstacles. “You wonder why we still can’t have effective CCTV coverage in the capital,” he lamented.

Explaining why a simplified view of Governance won’t work, Wike cautioned critics pushing for FCT autonomy to consider the constitutional and security implications. “The FCT is not like any other state,” he clarified. “You don’t have a House of Assembly here; our laws are made by the National Assembly.” A simplified view of governance, he warned, could lead to operational chaos.

On the way forward to address the pressing challenges, Wike proposed a multi-sectoral summit involving security, health, and FCT stakeholders to develop a unified roadmap. “The issues we face here are complicated and cannot be solved in isolation,” he said. “We need a coordinated effort that brings all stakeholders together.”

In a bid to produce a coordinated approach to security, the former Governor said the proposed summit would provide a platform for stakeholders to share ideas, identify solutions, and develop a comprehensive strategy to tackle insecurity in Abuja.

By working together, the FCT Administration, federal agencies, and other stakeholders can develop effective solutions to address the complex security challenges facing the nation’s capital city, the Minister said.

According to him:”Insecurity in Abuja is a complex issue that requires a coordinated national response. By working together, we can develop effective solutions to address the security challenges facing the nation’s capital city”.

Wike’s call for a multi-sectoral summit is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that stakeholders will come together to develop a unified roadmap to tackle insecurity in Abuja.

And as Nigeria celebrates 26 years of democratic governance, the FCTA under Wike’s leadership has made significant progress in various sectors. While challenges remain, particularly in security, the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and road safety are commendable. With a focus on rural transformation and urban development, Wike’s administration is working towards creating a more prosperous and secure FCT.

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