Members of the National Assembly have lauded the outstanding performance of Minister Nyesom Wike in transforming the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing his leadership as one of the most impactful in recent times.
The commendations poured in during the presentation and defense of the proposed N1.78 trillion 2025 FCT Statutory Budget before the National Assembly. Lawmakers across party lines expressed admiration for Wike’s bold reforms and physical transformation of Abuja, saying his performance sets a new benchmark for governance in the capital city.
Senator Ibrahim Bomai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, described the budget as one of the best ever presented by the FCT administration. He applauded the minister for what he termed “a wonderful performance in a very short time,” noting that this is the first time the territory is proposing a N1.7 trillion in revenue. He further highlighted the projected N608 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as a major milestone.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) praised Wike for the comprehensive facelift Abuja has received under his stewardship, likening the current outlook of the Nigerian capital to that of Johannesburg and Cairo. He, however, urged the minister to prioritize security improvements to match the infrastructural growth.
For Senator Mohammed Ndume (APC, Borno South), the transformation is unmistakable. “Everyone who knew Abuja two years ago and sees it now knows you’ve done well,” he said, adding that the Senate will continue to support Wike to ensure his success. Ndume quipped that while many credit Wike, the real credit goes to the lawmakers who approved his budget, making the transformation possible.
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Senator Osita Ozunaso (APC, Imo West) also praised the fiscal discipline reflected in the 2025 proposal. He noted the N21 billion reduction in personnel cost compared to 2024 and the shift toward higher capital expenditure as commendable. “You have prioritized development. That’s the hallmark of serious governance,” he stated.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) went further to describe Wike as one of the best-performing ministers under the APC-led administration. He praised the minister’s initiative to take development to rural communities within the FCT, calling it a smart strategy to decongest the city and foster inclusive growth.
In a surprising twist, even Wike’s long-time critic, Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), acknowledged the visible improvements across the territory. “His performance is now undisputable,” she said, signaling a major shift in her stance.
Meanwhile, at the House of Representatives, Chairman of the FCT Committee, Muktar Betara, joined his Senate counterparts in commending Wike for the bold transformation underway in Nigeria’s capital. He emphasized that the minister’s work reflects the spirit of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Wike, in his presentation, appealed for the swift approval of the proposed budget, revealing that 72.3% (N1.28 trillion) would be dedicated to capital projects, while 27.7% (N494.1 billion) is allocated to recurrent expenditure. The proposal, he said, is designed to accelerate infrastructure development and improve the living standards of FCT residents.
With widespread support from both chambers of the National Assembly and a record-breaking budget in the works, Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister appears to be entering a new phase of high-impact governance that may reshape Abuja for generations to come.
