The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appealed to Abuja residents to moderate their expectations, stating that it is “unrealistic” to expect a full transformation of all sectors of the capital within two years.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, the minister addressed growing concerns over the pace of development in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and transportation.
Wike criticised the tendency to focus on the number of educational institutions rather than the quality of education they provide.
“Every inner school that wants to provide access to education, we don’t want to talk about the quality of education. Everybody wants the university to be in his community. Nobody has asked, these two universities you are providing—what’s the quality?”
He added:
“I would prefer to have three universities, for example, and then you can talk about the quality of those institutions, rather than building many with no substance.”
On Hospitals and Healthcare: “Transformation Can’t Happen Overnight”
Addressing healthcare concerns, the minister was equally forthright, stating that expectations of rapid development—such as having general hospitals in every district within two years—were simply unrealistic.
“I don’t know why anybody should think that within two years in office, you are going to have a general hospital in all the other houses. That’s just not possible.”
Transport and Supervision: “We’ve Started, But It Takes Time”
On Abuja’s chaotic transport system, Wike acknowledged ongoing challenges but assured residents that reforms were underway.
“We are trying to see what we can do to put it in order, which we have started. This is just two years in office. It is not possible for you to turn around all the sectors. It is not possible.”
“A government must be forward-thinking and targeted. From this period to this period, this is what we’re going to do in this area. That’s how government is supposed to work,” he added.
Low Visibility of Officials: “You Don’t Dictate How We Communicate”
When asked about the perceived low visibility of mandate secretaries, Wike pushed back, saying operational style should not be dictated by public sentiment.
“You will not advise us how, in terms of public appearance, in terms of interviews.”
“Do I look like somebody who will sit in the office? I mean, that would be very unfair for you to say. I sit and I approve funds for you to utilise. And then you are asking me if I supervise?”
Education Projects: Quiet Progress
Wike revealed that several school projects have been completed or upgraded, though they lack the ceremonial fanfare often associated with road infrastructure.
“We are making progress in upgrading educational infrastructure, but we don’t do elaborate ceremonies for schools like we do for roads,” he said.
