Tinubu backs Wike, says FCT Minister has delivered results in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has given his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor has justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.

Mr Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and other road networks in Katampe District, Abuja.

The President praised Wike’s performance, saying the minister had delivered on his mandate to improve infrastructure and accelerate development across the nation’s capital.

“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track record. Wike, you have not disappointed me.

“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason,” Mr Tinubu said.

The commissioning formed part of the eighth day of a series of project inaugurations by the FCT Administration aimed at showcasing infrastructure delivered under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Tinubu described the newly completed road as a symbol of his administration’s commitment to restoring public confidence in governance through visible and impactful development.

According to him, the installation of solar-powered streetlights along major roads has enhanced security, boosted economic activities and revived nightlife in parts of the capital city.

“We have installed solar streetlights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” he said.

The President added that the road project represents hope and demonstrates that the Renewed Hope Agenda is yielding tangible benefits for Nigerians.

In his remarks, Mr Wike said the Katampe road project was conceived to address a critical infrastructure gap identified after the completion of adjoining road networks.

He recalled that the area lacked direct connectivity even after the commissioning of the Gishiri Road and the bridge linking Maitama last year.

“Last year, when Mr President commissioned the Gishiri Road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.

The minister noted that the project has already stimulated significant real estate development in Katampe, attracting investors and boosting economic activities in the area.

He dismissed claims that little was happening in the country, pointing to the scale of ongoing construction and private-sector investments across Abuja.

“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” Mr Wike said.

According to him, infrastructure development remains one of the most effective tools for economic growth, job creation and improved living standards.

He said thousands of Nigerians had benefited directly and indirectly from ongoing projects being executed by the FCT Administration.

Mr Wike also highlighted efforts to extend development to satellite communities, citing the recently commissioned road linking Tungan-Madaki and neighbouring communities.

“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said.

The minister further disclosed that another major milestone would be recorded on Monday with the commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu, designed to improve access to potable water in satellite towns.

In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the project reflected President Tinubu’s vision of using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved quality of life.

She commended the President, the National Assembly, Wike, engineers, contractors and community leaders for their contributions to the successful completion of the project.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project comprises a 3.9-kilometre road network equipped with underground drainage systems, water pipelines, sewer infrastructure, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered street lighting, walkways and green areas.

According to him, the road will improve connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and adjoining districts while opening up new corridors for residential and commercial development in the Federal Capital Territory.