The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his administration’s strong focus on road construction, insisting that transport infrastructure is the foundation upon which education, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors can thrive.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Wike dismissed criticism that the FCT Administration was concentrating too heavily on roads at the expense of schools and hospitals, saying sustainable development begins with quality infrastructure.
According to him, roads and bridges are essential for attracting investment, improving access to public services and stimulating economic growth.
“Development starts with infrastructure. If there are no good roads, which schools will people attend? Which industries will investors establish? Roads and bridges open up the economy. Whether people like it or not, you cannot develop without roads,” Wike said.
The minister maintained that while road projects have been the most visible aspect of the administration’s activities, significant investments have also been made in water supply, education and healthcare across the territory.
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He disclosed that the Abuja City Water Supply project and the Greater Abuja Water Scheme had recently been completed, adding that the water distribution network would be extended to satellite towns such as Bwari, Abaji and Kuje before the end of 2026.
Wike further revealed that more than 120 schools had been rehabilitated under the current administration, stressing that the government’s development agenda extends beyond road construction.
He explained that ongoing rural road projects are designed to connect farming communities with urban markets, reduce transportation costs, improve food distribution and stimulate economic activities throughout the FCT.
“When there are no roads, farmers cannot move their produce to markets. Businesses suffer and insecurity thrives. Roads are central to socio-economic development,” he stated.
The minister also defended the administration’s urban renewal programme, insisting that illegal roadside trading would not be allowed to obstruct newly constructed roads or undermine public investments.
“Government cannot build roads today and allow them to become markets tomorrow. We cannot encourage illegality simply because people say they are trying to survive. We have designated markets for trading,” he said.
On the growing number of street beggars and suspected hoodlums within the capital city, Wike said enforcement operations would continue despite public criticism.
“We are going to chase them out. If government does not act, there will be lawlessness everywhere. I hope the media will support us when we take the necessary action,” he added.
The minister noted that the FCT Administration now adopts a community-driven approach to project execution by consulting residents before deciding on developmental projects.
According to him, involving communities in project selection promotes transparency, ensures resources are directed toward priority needs and encourages local ownership.
“We go to the communities and ask them what they want. They become part of the decision-making process and take ownership of the projects,” Wike explained.
He also announced plans to commission projects continuously for 31 days to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, an increase from the 19-day commissioning exercise held during the President’s second anniversary.
The projects, he said, will include roads, water infrastructure and other completed facilities spread across Abuja city and the satellite towns.
Wike further disclosed that the Central Business District Bus and Taxi Terminal would become operational before the end of the year, while procurement processes for similar terminals in Gwagwalada and Bwari were already underway. He added that issues delaying the Kubwa terminal project were being addressed.
Speaking on the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, the minister said the project was inspired by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s suggestion to improve the aesthetics of the nation’s capital.
He said the First Lady would commission the upgraded facility, which now features improved lighting and enhanced security infrastructure.
Responding to questions about why he personally addresses most issues concerning the FCT Administration, Wike said he accepts full responsibility for governance and prefers to communicate government decisions directly to the public.
“I know virtually everything happening in the departments because I supervise them. It is better for people to hear directly from me because I take responsibility for the administration’s actions,” he said.
