President Bola Tinubu has praised the progress recorded in the Federal Capital Territory under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, saying Abuja has witnessed major improvements since he took office.
The President made the remarks on Friday night in Abuja during a thanksgiving dinner held after the completion and inauguration of 31 projects across the FCT within 28 days.
Tinubu, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the transformation taking place in the nation’s capital reflects the efforts of the current administration. He noted that the FCT has changed for the better over the years and said recent developments have made life easier for residents.
The President also commended Wike and members of the FCT Administration for their commitment to delivering projects that directly benefit the people. According to him, completed roads, bridges and other infrastructure have improved movement, connected communities and created more opportunities for residents.
He described Abuja as a city that belongs to every Nigerian, adding that the nation’s capital remains a symbol of unity where people from different backgrounds live and work together. He said visible development across the territory shows that government projects can be completed when there is dedication and proper planning.
Also speaking at the event, former FCT Minister and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Modibbo, praised Wike’s performance in office. He expressed hope that the minister would continue overseeing the FCT beyond the current administration because of the pace of development recorded so far.
In his remarks, Wike said he inherited a civil service that lacked motivation when he assumed office in August 2023. He explained that his administration introduced reforms, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, to improve workers’ welfare and create better opportunities for career growth within the service.
The minister said the approval of the commission by President Tinubu helped improve workers’ morale and encouraged greater commitment to public service. He added that the reforms contributed to the steady increase in completed projects, with nine inaugurated during the President’s first year, 19 in the second year and 31 in the third year.
Wike also said removing the FCT from the Treasury Single Account made it easier for the administration to obtain funding from commercial banks for infrastructure projects. He thanked contractors for delivering projects on schedule and promised that more development would continue across Abuja.
According to him, most of the projects completed by the current administration were abandoned by previous governments, while only the Inner Southern Expressway remains unfinished. He said the administration would continue working to complete ongoing projects and improve infrastructure throughout the territory.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, represented by House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, also praised Wike’s performance, describing the changes in Abuja as one of the biggest transformations the city has witnessed in recent years.
The Managing Director of Julius Berger, Dr. Peer Lubasch, speaking on behalf of contractors, also commended the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
He said the ongoing projects have strengthened Abuja’s position as one of Africa’s leading purpose-built capitals and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting future development in the FCT.