PRESIDENT TINUBU REVEALS REASON FOR APPOINTING WIKE AS FCT MINISTER
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By: Tajudeen Aminat
President Bola Tinubu has said he appointed Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) because of his proven capacity to deliver results, particularly in infrastructure and project execution.
Tinubu made the remark on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly completed Federal Highway 105, which links the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township in Abuja. The President was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, as part of activities marking his third year in office.
He explained that the road project, originally awarded in 2022 but later abandoned, had become a major source of hardship for residents and businesses due to persistent traffic congestion, dust during the dry season, and flooding during the rainy season.
According to him, the condition of the road reinforced his decision to appoint Wike as FCT Minister, describing him as a “proven performer” capable of delivering tangible results.
“Where there was delay, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and we value progress,” he said.
Tinubu also said the Renewed Hope Agenda is designed to ensure development reaches beyond the city centre to satellite communities.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not for the city centre alone. True democracy must be felt at the grassroots,” he stated, adding that residents in areas like Kuje must also benefit from governance.
He noted that the completed road would ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time, boost economic activity, and improve access for farmers and traders transporting goods to market.
The President further urged residents and stakeholders to take responsibility for maintaining public infrastructure by paying taxes, ground rents, and other statutory obligations.
He also called on community leaders and youths to protect the newly completed road from vandalism and misuse.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the project as one of the most challenging undertaken under the administration, noting that it had been stalled despite being awarded in 2022 at a cost of over N54 billion.
Wike said consultations with traditional rulers and community leaders revealed the poor condition of the road, which had become a safety hazard and a haven for criminal activity before its rehabilitation.
He credited President Tinubu’s support and political will for the successful completion of the project and commended the contractors for delivering despite difficulties.
Wike also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT and said more developments would be commissioned in the coming months, including the Kuje–Gwagwalada road.
He maintained that the administration’s focus on satellite towns would reshape development in Abuja and improve living conditions for residents.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also praised the project as a major achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it would enhance connectivity, economic growth, and quality of life in the territory.
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