By John Moses
The Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure-driven administration, asserting that ongoing development projects across Abuja have significantly undermined opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of a major road linking Nnamdi Azikiwe Way through Katampe to Wole Soyinka Way, Wike highlighted how visible progress under Tinubu’s leadership is shifting public sentiment.
“I expected a strong coalition from the opposition, but it’s difficult to rally people against a government that delivers results every day,” Wike stated. “Their plans are collapsing under the weight of the evidence.”
The N16–N20 road, spanning 3.7 kilometres, was completed at remarkable speed, with the original contract awarded in September 2024 and extended shortly after to include Gishiri Village. Notably, the extension was completed even before formal approval, a move Wike attributed to contractors’ renewed confidence in prompt government payments.
He also revealed that communities displaced by the project received 200 percent compensation in line with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
Wike announced further infrastructure inaugurations in the coming days, including a 15km road to Wassa, developments in Life Camp, and the new INEC headquarters. He directed media teams to ensure these achievements are broadcast nationwide to reflect the administration’s performance.
“Contractors no longer fear delays or non-payment. There’s a new confidence in public-sector delivery,” he said, calling the ongoing transformation a “revolution in the FCT”.
President Tinubu, in response, commended Wike and his team for their role in repositioning the capital through infrastructural renewal.
“Infrastructure is not optional; it is foundational to economic opportunity, social cohesion, and national growth,” Tinubu remarked.
FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, extended gratitude to residents of Gishiri and Maitama for their patience during construction. “You are the heart of this city, and this road is a tribute to your resilience,” she said.
Mr Richard Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), described the project as a critical transport corridor linking the city’s first-phase Maitama District with Katampe, Jahi, and Mabushi in Phase II.
