FCT rural development highlights Tinubu’s impact – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has rallied residents of Abuja to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing infrastructural projects across satellite towns.

Wike spoke on Wednesday while addressing residents of communities along the Bwari–Kubwa road during an inspection tour.

The minister said the President’s priority was to ensure meaningful development in the country and improve living conditions.

Wike said, “It is very difficult for anybody to win an election in the FCT against Mr President because to them (the residents), it is surprising what they have seen in their lives.”

Wike boasted of visible infrastructure development, particularly the extension of projects beyond the city centre to underserved communities.

He noted that the government had deliberately shifted focus to satellite towns in response to longstanding concerns about uneven development.

“We were told clearly that there is over-concentration of development in the city, and we must go to the satellite towns.

“These communities are part of Abuja, and their lives must also change,” he said.

During the inspection, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of ongoing road projects spanning areas such as Karu, Apo-Karshi and the Bwari–Kubwa corridor.

He held that improved road networks would significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between satellite towns and the city centre.

“People can now live in places like Kuje and get to work in the city within 25 minutes. That is the kind of impact we are talking about,” Wike stated.

Addressing concerns over the activities of real estate developers in the territory, Wike dismissed calls for the creation of a new regulatory body, insisting that existing institutions were capable of handling the challenges.

“The problem in Nigeria is the proliferation of agencies. Creating more agencies will not solve the problem,” he said.

He explained that the Department of Development Control already has the mandate to enforce compliance with the Abuja Master Plan, stressing the need to strengthen current structures rather than establish new ones.

“What is important is to strengthen existing structures. The FCT Administration can handle complaints and ensure that developers do not exploit innocent citizens,” he added.

Wike assured residents that reported cases of malpractice would be addressed, including ensuring appropriate remedies.

“If there are complaints, we know what to do. We will ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.

He also called for support for government efforts, emphasising that national development requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.

“This is a period for everyone to work together and support the government. The focus is on improving Nigeria, particularly in the area of security,” he said.

Infrastructure development in the FCT has for years drawn criticism over the concentration of projects within Abuja’s city centre, with residents of satellite towns frequently raising concerns about inadequate road networks, limited access to services and a slower pace of development.

Since the inauguration of Tinubu as President in 2023, the FCT Administration has placed renewed emphasis on road construction and rehabilitation in satellite towns, alongside efforts to improve connectivity with the city centre.