Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing ongoing infrastructure development across previously underserved communities.
Speaking during an inspection of road projects along the Bwari to Kubwa corridor, Wike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is focused on delivering visible improvements that directly impact residents’ daily lives. He addressed community members during the visit, pointing to what he described as growing evidence of development beyond the city centre.
“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 said.
The Federal Capital Territory is Nigeria’s administrative capital region, which includes Abuja city and surrounding satellite towns. For years, residents in these outer areas have raised concerns about uneven development, with most government investment concentrated in central districts.
Wike explained that the current administration deliberately redirected attention to satellite communities after acknowledging long-standing complaints about imbalance in infrastructure distribution.
“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.
Okay News reports that the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing construction projects, including roads connecting areas such as Karu, Apo-Karshi, and Bwari to Kubwa. He noted that many of these communities are experiencing significant infrastructure upgrades for the first time.
According to him, improved road networks are already transforming mobility within the territory. He added that travel times between residential areas and the city centre have reduced significantly, making it easier for workers to commute.
“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.
The minister also disclosed that several projects are scheduled for completion and commissioning as part of events marking the anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which began in 2023.
Addressing concerns about the activities of property developers in the territory, Wike rejected calls for the establishment of a new regulatory agency. He argued that Nigeria already has sufficient institutions and that creating more bodies would not address existing challenges.
“The problem in Nigeria is the proliferation of agencies. Creating more agencies will not solve the problem,” he said.
He pointed to the Department of Development Control, a regulatory unit within the Federal Capital Territory Administration, as the body responsible for enforcing compliance with the Abuja Master Plan, which guides urban development in the capital.
“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 cases of malpractice by developers would be investigated and resolved appropriately.
“If there are complaints, we know what to do. We will ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.
He concluded by urging unity and cooperation among residents, stressing that national development depends on collective effort, particularly in areas such as security. He also extended goodwill to Muslims observing Ramadan, saying, “I wish everyone a happy Ramadan.”
Infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory has historically been criticised for favouring central Abuja, leaving satellite towns with limited access to roads and basic services. Since taking office, the current administration has prioritised expanding road networks and improving connectivity to address these concerns.
