Tinubu Praises Wike for Changes in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu says Abuja is improving under Nyesom Wike as the minister, 50 years after the city was created.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Friday night during a special dinner to celebrate 31 projects completed in the FCT in just 28 days.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the president praised Wike and his team for their hard work to make the capital better for everyone.

"Tonight is a night to thank God. I thank God for our lives and for Nigeria's survival after so many years. I also thank God for the residents and people of the Federal Capital Territory.

"Fifty years after Nigeria created the FCT, things have changed and are getting better."

He praised Wike for showing that "leadership is not about how loudly one announces plans, but how clearly the people can see the results of those plans."

He mentioned that the FCT belongs to every Nigerian. He called it a place of unity and diversity that connects everyone’s hopes.

"Every new road here shortens someone’s journey. Every new bridge connects more than just communities; it connects friendship, love, unity, and opportunities for Nigerians.

"Every completed project shows Nigerians that the government can work when vision meets determination," he said.

Aliyu Modibbo, a former FCT minister and now Special Adviser to the President, said Wike is one of the best FCT ministers.

Modibbo, who spoke for Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, expressed hope that Wike would continue as FCT minister in Tinubu’s next term. He said, "Four years is not enough to finish what you have started."

Wike shared that when he became FCT minister in August 2023, he found unhappy civil servants who lacked motivation to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said he and the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, made changes by creating the FCT Civil Service Commission.

He explained that this commission allows civil servants to rise to roles like permanent secretary and head of the civil service.

Wike said Tinubu approved this commission to motivate workers to do their best for the FCT’s growth.

With motivated workers, nine projects were launched in Tinubu’s first year, 19 in the second year, and 31 in the third year.

He also mentioned that taking the FCT out of the Treasury Single Account helped the administration access funds from banks for projects.

Wike praised contractors for their quality work and timely project delivery, promising to keep working with them for the residents’ benefit.

"What Tinubu has done and will keep doing in the FCT is unprecedented. Most of the projects we finished were not started by this administration, and 70 percent of them were abandoned projects.

"The only project that was not finished is the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX)," Wike said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas called Wike the "best-performing minister of the FCT so far." He praised Wike's efforts to change the capital.

Abbas, represented by House Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the FCT has seen major changes under Wike’s leadership.

Dr Peer Lubasch, Managing Director of Julius Berger, spoke for the contractors. He said they have had more ribbon-cutting ceremonies lately than in previous years.

Lubasch praised Tinubu for his focus on infrastructure, economic growth, and national development. He also recognized Wike for his vision and planning, which he said are making Abuja a great capital for Africa.

"We are proud to have been part of Abuja's story from its early days to now," he said.