…PREDICTS APC VICTORY IN AREA COUNCIL POLLS, DISMISSES MAKINDE’S CLAIM
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has said that sustained investment in infrastructure by the FCT Administration has significantly improved the quality of life of residents across the Territory.
Wike stated this on Monday, December 29, 2025, during his end-of-year monthly media chat held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he reviewed the performance of the Administration and addressed political developments.
According to the minister, the construction and rehabilitation of roads, renovation of public schools and upgrading of health facilities have eased daily living and enhanced productivity in Abuja and the surrounding area councils.
He said the opening of new road networks had improved mobility across the city, while the award of over 200 school renovation contracts had helped to improve learning environments in public schools.
“People can now move more easily because roads have been opened. Schools are being renovated, and health facilities are being upgraded to provide quality services,” Wike said, adding that residents could see the impact of the projects.
Reacting to the recent ranking of the FCT among the top five sub-national economies in Nigeria on the Ease of Doing Business index, the minister attributed the achievement to improved security and infrastructure development across both urban and rural areas.
According to him, businesses thrive only in environments with reliable infrastructure and adequate security.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming Area Council elections in the FCT, Wike expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would emerge victorious, citing what he described as visible development projects in rural communities that were previously neglected.
He said the current Administration had shifted focus from concentrating development in the city centre to extending infrastructure to satellite towns and rural areas.
On land administration reforms, the minister said some decisions taken by the FCT Administration may have appeared unpopular, particularly among elites, but were carried out strictly in accordance with the law to protect investors and promote orderly development.
Wike also spoke on political developments in Rivers State, stressing the need for cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government, as well as alignment between state and federal authorities, to ensure the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He announced plans to embark on a tour of local government areas in Rivers State to appreciate supporters and strengthen political alliances.
The minister further dismissed claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he had offered to “hold the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)” for President Tinubu during a meeting at the State House.
Describing the allegation as false, Wike said the meeting involving himself, Makinde and other former governors was held to show support for the President’s leadership and had nothing to do with party affairs.
He also criticised Makinde over comments made following the President’s refusal to approve his ministerial nominee, and raised questions about the utilisation of a ₦50 billion federal grant approved for victims of the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.
Wike said the Oyo State governor owed his constituents an explanation on how the funds were spent, noting that such expenditure should follow due appropriation.
The media interaction provided an opportunity for the minister to outline achievements of the FCT Administration in 2025, address political controversies and project expectations ahead of the new year.
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