The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday said President Bola Tinubu’s style of leadership is placing Nigeria on the road to steady growth and broad development. He spoke at the 2026 Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja.
The lecture, which focused on leadership and infrastructure in Nigeria’s democratic journey, drew academics, students and public officials. Wike used the event to review the President’s political background and policy choices since taking office.
According to him, Tinubu’s role during Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle shaped his leadership outlook long before he became President. He added that Tinubu’s time as Governor of Lagos State showed his ability to grow revenue, improve infrastructure and reform institutions in a sustained manner.
Wike pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy at the start of Tinubu’s administration as a major policy decision that past governments avoided. He admitted that the move caused hardship for many Nigerians but said it released funds for states, reduced debt pressure and began reforms in the energy sector. He described the action as one taken in the interest of long-term national stability.
He also referred to efforts aimed at correcting structural issues in the country through the creation of zonal and regional development commissions. These steps, he said, are meant to address complaints about over-centralisation. He added that reforms in the security sector, including better funding and training of armed forces, show attempts to rebuild public trust and improve national safety.
Wike, however, noted that national progress cannot depend on leadership alone. He said citizens must also play their part in nation building. He urged Nigerians to move beyond doubt and take active roles in supporting reforms and holding institutions accountable. In his view, real development happens when leaders and citizens work together.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the lecture series is part of the institution’s effort to promote discussion on issues affecting the country. He noted that the theme of the event relates directly to the expectations of Nigerians for leadership that improves welfare, security and infrastructure.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Aminu Gusau, a former senior official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, described Wike as a committed public official whose time in the FCT has seen visible changes. He referred to road projects, enforcement of the Abuja Master Plan and revival of abandoned works as examples of progress under the minister’s watch.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo, said Wike was selected to speak because of his long involvement in public service and democratic politics. He added that the discussion would help members of the university community reflect on their civic duties ahead of the 2027 general elections and the need to strengthen democratic governance.
The event formed part of the university’s annual intellectual programme aimed at examining the link between political leadership and national development.
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