On August 21, 2023, Mr. Nyesom Wike assumed office as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with a clear and ambitious agenda. Alongside the Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, Wike laid out a comprehensive plan to restore Abuja’s Master Plan, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” This plan is divided into short, medium, and long-term strategies aimed at transforming Abuja into one of the world’s top cities.
At the core of Wike’s agenda is a strong emphasis on infrastructural development. The minister stressed a systematic approach—tackling one project at a time—to rejuvenate the city and reclaim its lost glory. This development drive extends beyond the central city to the six Area Councils, a strategic move to decongest the city center and stimulate the rural economy.
However, Nyesom Wike’s optimism was tempered by the reality of numerous abandoned projects scattered across the capital. Many of these projects, initiated between 2007 and 2017, were left incomplete, often after significant investments. Wike made it clear that such a trend would not continue under his watch. He vowed to block revenue leakages and ensure that every project started would be seen through to completion.
To mobilize the necessary resources, Wike introduced several financial reforms. One of the first steps was negotiating with contractors to return to their sites, facilitated by a payment plan funded through the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the 2023 Supplementary Budget. Additionally, Wike launched a Task Force focused on issuing Certificates of Occupancy for mass housing developments and recovering land use contravention fees, significantly boosting the FCT’s revenue.
These efforts bore fruit, with the FCT Internal Revenue Service reporting a substantial increase in revenue collection. Between January and June, N126.54 billion was collected, a 53.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Furthermore, Wike secured approval from President Tinubu to withdraw the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account, allowing access to funds from financial institutions to finance critical projects.
Nine months into Nyesom Wike’s tenure, his administration celebrated the completion of several key projects. Among these were the Vice President’s official residence, the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system, and the Inner Southern Expressway. Notable road projects, such as the Outer Southern Expressway and the Southern Parkway, were also completed and named in honor of President Tinubu.
Additionally, infrastructure projects like the B6/B12 roads in the Central Area and the Wuye interchange bridge were inaugurated. The completion of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District and the resurfacing of 189 roads within the city further underscored Wike’s commitment to revitalizing Abuja.
Looking ahead, Wike assured that ongoing projects, including the rehabilitation of 366 roads across key districts and the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, would be completed by December 2024. Rural development was also a priority, with the construction of over 42.2km of rural roads across the six Area Councils set to be completed within the same timeframe.
Beyond infrastructure, Wike made significant strides in governance. He successfully implemented the FCT Civil Service Commission (CSC), allowing for career progression from director to permanent secretary and beyond. The appointment of Mr. Udo Atang as the pioneer Head of Civil Service and the establishment of the CSC Board were hailed as landmark achievements, signaling a new era for civil servants in the FCT.
On the security front, Wike’s administration provided crucial support to security agencies, including vigilante groups, by equipping them with motorcycles and vehicles fitted with modern communication gadgets. The creation of a Joint Task Force to tackle crime further enhanced security across the FCT, resulting in a noticeable reduction in security breaches.
Despite the commendable progress, stakeholders have called for increased investment in people-oriented projects such as clean water provision, quality healthcare, and an efficient transportation system. These, they argue, will have the most significant impact on the lives of ordinary FCT residents.
