The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that even 200 years would not be sufficient to resolve all the issues facing the nation’s capital. He emphasized that government functions as a continuum, meaning that his successors will build upon the progress made during his tenure.
Wike made these remarks in Abuja during the Ministerial Sectoral Updates, part of the activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first year in office. The first session of the Sectoral Briefing was attended by several key ministers, including Senator Atiku Bagudu (Minister of Budget and National Planning), Dr. Jamila Ibrahim Bio (Minister of Youth Development), Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu (Minister of Steel Development), Dr. Mariya Mahmud (Minister of State for FCT), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Minister of State for Petroleum), and Mr. Ayodele Olawande (Minister of State for Youth Development).
Wike acknowledged the immense challenges of his role, stating, “Even if I’m FCT minister for 200 years, I cannot solve the whole problem. You’ll contribute your own to the best of your knowledge and when another person comes, they continue from where you stop. After all, government is a continuum.”
He also mentioned President Tinubu’s directive to prioritize completing existing projects over starting new ones. “That’s why Mr. President told me, ‘all these projects littered everywhere, you cannot go and start new projects. We had to focus on finishing the abandoned projects’,” Wike explained.
Wike further elaborated on the importance of continuity in governance, stressing that sustainable development in the FCT relies on successive administrations building on each other’s efforts. “Our focus has been on completing abandoned projects to ensure that resources are not wasted and that the citizens of the FCT benefit from these investments,” he said.
He highlighted several key projects that his administration is prioritizing. These include infrastructure development, improving healthcare facilities, and enhancing public transportation systems. Wike underscored the significance of these projects in improving the quality of life for residents of the FCT.
The Minister also addressed the challenges posed by rapid urbanization in Abuja. “The population growth in the capital city has been exponential, and this places a strain on existing infrastructure and services,” he noted. Wike called for strategic planning and increased investment to manage this growth effectively.
Moreover, Wike touched on the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including the private sector and international partners. “We are actively seeking partnerships to bring in the necessary expertise and funding to tackle the complex issues we face,” he added.
In his concluding remarks, Wike reiterated his commitment to serving the people of the FCT and ensuring that the projects under his watch are completed efficiently and effectively. “While it is true that I alone cannot solve all the problems, I am dedicated to making significant progress and laying a solid foundation for those who will follow,” he stated.
The session also included presentations from other ministers who outlined their achievements and ongoing projects within their respective portfolios, reflecting a coordinated effort to address national challenges and improve the welfare of all Nigerians.
Wike’s reflections at the Ministerial Sectoral Updates highlighted both the enormity of the task at hand and the collaborative, ongoing nature of governance necessary to achieve long-term development goals in Nigeria’s capital.
