Wike decries rot in FCT communities

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has decried the long-standing neglect of rural communities within the FCT, stating that he feels bad about the conditions faced by local residents.

The Minister made these remarks in Abuja on Thursday when the Management and Board of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) visited his office. The visit was part of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike lamented the hardships rural communities endure but noted that their development has been prioritized under the current administration.

He cited the ongoing work in the Tungan Madaki community along the Airport Road as a primary example of this new focus.

In his words, “Today we went to Tunga Madaki, and it is truly shocking. I pitied the communities. But by the grace of God, by the time we complete that road to Zuba, you will see how the entire area will open up. How can we talk only about the city when rural communities are denied basic necessities? They have no road access even to reach the city. I wish everyone had the opportunity to visit these villages where there are no roads; that is what people should really be talking about.”

The Minister lauded the FCDA leadership, headed by the Executive Secretary, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, for aligning the Authority’s activities with the vision of the current administration.

While expressing joy at serving as Minister during the FCT’s Golden Jubilee, Wike clarified that the main celebrations would not be held in February. Instead, they will take place later in the year to coincide with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 3rd Anniversary celebration.

“I don’t want to take away the shine from Mr. President. I believe that the compendium mentioned by the Executive Secretary should be launched during the President’s third-year anniversary,” Wike said. “All our achievements would not have been possible without the immense support we have received from him.”

The Minister highlighted that the Tinubu administration has implemented major reforms, including the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

This reform, he said, allows FCT civil servants to reach the peak of their careers, including the rank of Permanent Secretary.

Wike also praised the President for excluding the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA). He noted that this move has enabled the Administration to increase its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and secure bank funding for critical infrastructure projects.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, thanked the Minister for the level of infrastructural development recorded over the last two and a half years, describing it as “unprecedented in the 50-year history of the FCT and the FCDA.”

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