Wike applauds Acting FCDA ES’ role in accelerating Abuja infrastructure expansion

As preparations begin for the 50th anniversary of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has commended the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for providing effective leadership that has accelerated infrastructure development across the territory.
Wike, who gave the commendations during the courtesy visit of the management staff of the FCDA to him in Abuja as the Chairman of the Board.
He stated that the visible transformation in Abuja would not have been possible without strong institutional leadership and a solid foundation laid by officials within the system.
“Today, everybody is saying there is massive infrastructural development. If that was not made possible, we would still be hanging around and saying nothing is going on.
“So we must appreciate those who laid the foundation for us to get to where we are today”, the minister stated.
He disclosed that a committee would soon be inaugurated to plan activities to mark Abuja at 50, which will coincide with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third year in office, describing the celebration as “very important” in showcasing the capital’s development journey.
Wike praised the Acting FCDA Executive Secretary for aligning with the vision of the present administration, noting that leadership remained central to delivering results.
“When you have the right leadership, you get the results you want. Since your appointment as Acting Executive Secretary, I can see that you have aligned yourself with the aims and vision of this administration. You are up and doing,” he said.
The minister was blunt in his remarks on performance, stressing that only results, not sentiments, sustain public office.
“If you are not up and doing, you will not be there. There is no two ways about it. There is no blackmail about it.
“I will do it and heaven will not fall, and the achievements recorded so far justified the confidence reposed in the FCDA leadership”, he stated.
e also commended the management and staff of the authority for their cooperation, noting that the successes achieved would not have been possible without teamwork.
Wike further emphasised that public office comes with defined privileges and rights, urging officials to understand the distinction and remain focused on service delivery.
The minister, an Abuja indigene himself, expressed concern over the level of neglect in some satellite communities, particularly during a visit to Tudun Madaki, where he said the absence of basic infrastructure was “shocking.”
“I pitied the communities. But by the grace of God, when we complete the road to Zuba, you will see how the entire area will open up,” he said.
He lamented the over concentration on city projects at the expense of rural communities, noting that many residents in the outskirts lacked access roads and basic services, leaving them disconnected from the benefits of gover
“That is what we should be talking about how to make people in the communities feel the impact of government. For many of them, whether government exists or not, they do not even know,” Wike said.
He assured that with the backing of President Tinubu, the FCT Administration would continue to open up underserved communities through sustained infrastructure development driven by the FCDA.a
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, presented a comprehensive review of the territory’s development journey, highlighting achievements over the past five decades and the unprecedented progress under the current administration.
Highlighting achievements under the current administration since August 2023, Dauda noted that the leadership of Wike has driven an unprecedented infrastructural push, with multiple projects completed and commissioned, marking the most productive period in the FCDA’s 50 -Year history.