President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is witnessing unprecedented transformation under the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the nation’s capital as a city that is finally reflecting the aspirations of Nigerians.
The President made the remarks on Friday night during a special thanksgiving dinner organised to celebrate the successful inauguration of 31 projects completed across the FCT within 28 days.
Represented at the event by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu praised Wike and members of the FCT Administration for their commitment, dedication and sacrifices in driving infrastructure development throughout the capital city.
According to the President, Wike has demonstrated that effective leadership is measured by tangible achievements rather than lofty promises.
He noted that Abuja belongs to every Nigerian and remains a symbol of national unity where people from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds coexist.
The President added that every completed infrastructure project contributes directly to improving the lives of residents and strengthening national integration.
“Every new road constructed shortens someone’s journey, and every new bridge connects not only communities but also opportunities, friendship, unity and love.
“Every completed project quietly reassures Nigerians that government can still deliver when vision is matched with determination,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and current Special Adviser to the President on General Duties in the Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Modibbo, commended Wike’s performance since assuming office.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, Modibbo expressed confidence that Wike’s achievements would earn him another opportunity to continue overseeing the affairs of the territory.
“Four years will not be enough to complete all that you have started,” he said.
In his remarks, Wike recalled that when he assumed office in August 2023, the morale of civil servants within the FCT Administration was low, making it difficult to effectively implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
He explained that together with the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the administration prioritised reforms aimed at improving the welfare and motivation of workers.
According to Wike, one of the landmark reforms was the establishment of the Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission, following presidential approval.
He said the commission has created a structured career progression that enables civil servants to rise to the positions of Permanent Secretary and Head of Service within the FCT Administration.
The minister stated that the reform has significantly boosted staff morale and improved productivity.
He also highlighted the administration’s growing record of project delivery, noting that nine projects were inaugurated during President Tinubu’s first year in office, 19 during the second year and 31 projects during the third year.
Wike attributed the improved pace of development to the removal of the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account, a move that enabled the administration to access financing from commercial banks for infrastructure development.
He equally praised contractors handling projects across the territory for maintaining high standards and delivering projects within agreed timelines.
The minister pledged that the administration would continue collaborating with reputable contractors to ensure quality infrastructure for residents.
“Compared to previous administrations, what President Tinubu has done and continues to do in the FCT is unprecedented.
“Most of the projects we commissioned were inherited and abandoned by previous administrations. About 70 per cent of them were abandoned projects.
“The only project yet to be completed is the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX),” Wike said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also commended the FCT Minister, describing him as one of the most impactful ministers to have served in the territory.
Represented by House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Abbas said Wike’s administration had fundamentally changed the physical landscape of Abuja through massive investments in roads and other public infrastructure.
He described the ongoing transformation as monumental and unprecedented.
Speaking on behalf of contractors involved in the projects, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, said construction companies had witnessed an unusually high number of project commissioning ceremonies in recent weeks.
Lubasch commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth and national progress.
He also applauded Wike’s vision and commitment to transforming Abuja into one of Africa’s most modern and purpose-built capital cities.
“We are proud to have remained part of Abuja’s development journey from its formative years to where it stands today,” he said.
