Real reason I chose Wike as FCT Minister – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the decision to appoint Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was based on his ability to deliver tangible results, particularly in infrastructure development and project execution.

Tinubu made the remark on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly completed Federal Highway 105, which connects the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township in Abuja.

Represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described Wike as a tested and reliable administrator with a strong record of performance.

According to Tinubu, the FCT minister has demonstrated a commitment to delivering critical infrastructure projects that improve the lives of residents and support economic growth in the nation’s capital.

The commissioning ceremony formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

The newly completed highway is expected to improve transportation, ease movement within the territory, and boost economic activities in Kuje and surrounding communities.

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding infrastructure across the country, stressing that strategic projects remain key to driving development and enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians.

Tinubu recalled that the road project, originally awarded in 2022, had been abandoned and had become a source of frustration for residents and businesses due to persistent gridlock, dust during the dry season and flooding during the rainy season.

He said the situation informed his “decision to appoint the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike,” whom he described as a “proven performer capable of delivering results”.

“Where there was delay, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and we value progress,” he stated.

The President stressed that the significance of the road extended beyond infrastructure, noting that it aligns with his administration’s broader vision of inclusive development.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not for the city centre alone. True democracy must be felt at the grassroots. It must be felt in Kuje. It must be felt by every Nigerian,” he said.

According to him, the completed road will drastically reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, boost economic activities and enhance access to markets for farmers and businesses.

“You no longer have to endure the suffocating bottleneck that characterized the Kuje-Airport Road axis before now. Lost man-hours are now being returned to the people. Time is money, and we are putting that time back in your pocket,” he added.

Tinubu further noted that the road would accelerate the development of satellite towns, decongest Abuja city centre, raise property values and attract private investment.

“Abuja cannot grow if only the city centre works. With this road, we decongest the capital, lift property values, attract investment, and help our farmers move farm produce to market without delay. This is how you build an economy from the bottom up,” he said.

The President also urged residents, developers and business owners to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying taxes, ground rents and other statutory fees to enable government replicate similar projects across the country.

He equally charged traditional rulers, community leaders and youths in Kuje to protect the infrastructure from vandalism and misuse.

“This road is yours. Guard it. Protect the streetlights, the drainage, the walkways. Do not allow vandalism. Do not turn it into an illegal market or refuse dump. Protect what we have built, and it will serve your children for decades,” he said.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the road as one of the most difficult projects undertaken by the administration, revealing that its completion required persistence, stakeholder engagement and significant financial commitment.

According to him, shortly after assuming office in 2023, the FCT Administration embarked on consultations across the six area councils, where traditional rulers and community leaders highlighted the deplorable condition of the road as a major concern.

“We may not value this road except we know how it was. This is one road that I never dreamt that today we would come and commission. It was a very, very difficult road,” Wike said.

The minister disclosed that despite being awarded on February 4, 2022, at a cost exceeding N54 billion, work had stalled before the current administration intervened.

“It became a political road. The Gomo of Kuje and other stakeholders pleaded with us to revive the project. At that time, there was no contractor on site. We made a promise, but in my mind I was asking where the money would come from,” he recounted.

Wike said the administration’s determination to restore hope to residents inspired efforts to mobilise resources and ensure completion of the project.

“It was a death trap. It was a haven for kidnappers and hooligans who harassed residents. today, that story has changed,” he said.

The minister commended the management of Arab Contractors for delivering the project despite challenges and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development in satellite towns.

“If anybody asks where government is, tell them Airport-Kuje Road is government. Kuje-Gwagwalada Road is government. This is government providing basic infrastructure to the people,” he declared.

Wike further revealed that the President is expected to return in July to commission the ongoing Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway, another major project aimed at transforming the area.

He maintained that Tinubu’s investments in satellite towns would remain a significant chapter in Abuja’s development history.

“What this administration has done for the satellite towns, history will be on your side. We are changing the direction of development in Abuja,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to improving connectivity, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of residents across the Federal Capital Territory.

Mahmoud commended Wike for what she termed his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to transforming Abuja through the delivery of quality infrastructure.

She urged residents to continue supporting government initiatives aimed at promoting development, improving mobility and strengthening socio-economic prosperity in the nation’s capital.

The commissioning formed part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, during which several infrastructure projects are being inaugurated across the Federal Capital Territory.

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