Wike Criticizes Neglect in FCT Communities

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has voiced his frustration regarding the ongoing neglect of rural communities within the FCT, highlighting the poor conditions experienced by local residents.

During a meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Wike made these observations while addressing the Management and Board of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). This meeting was held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike lamented the difficult situations that rural residents face, but he reassured that their development is a priority for the current administration.

He pointed to the ongoing development work in the Tungan Madaki community along Airport Road as a prominent example of the government’s renewed focus on rural progress.

He remarked, "Today we visited Tunga Madaki, and it was indeed astonishing. My heart goes out to those communities. However, once the road to Zuba is completed, we will witness significant improvements in the area. It is unacceptable to focus solely on urban development while denying rural communities basic necessities like road access to the city. I urge everyone to visit these villages where there is a lack of proper roads; that’s the real issue that needs discussion."

Wike commended the FCDA's leadership, under Executive Secretary Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, for their efforts in aligning the Authority’s initiatives with the broader vision of the current government.

He expressed his gratitude for serving as Minister during the FCT’s Golden Jubilee, but noted that the main celebrations will occur later in the year, specifically to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary.

"I do not wish to overshadow the President's accomplishments. It is my belief that the compendium mentioned by the Executive Secretary should be launched during the President's third-year anniversary," Wike stated, acknowledging that the successes achieved thus far would not have been possible without the strong support from the President.

The Minister also pointed out that adjustments made by the Tinubu administration, such as the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, have significantly benefited civil servants, allowing them to attain the peak of their professional careers, including positions such as Permanent Secretaries.

Wike further praised the decision to exempt the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a move he credits for boosting the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and facilitating bank financing for essential infrastructure projects.

Earlier, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, the FCDA Executive Secretary, expressed appreciation to the Minister for the unprecedented level of infrastructural development accomplished in the past two and a half years, marking it as a historic achievement within the 50-year framework of the FCT and the FCDA.