Toba Owojaiye Reporting
Recent statistics have unveiled an impressive feat by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike. In 2023, the FCT stood among only two states—Lagos and Ogun—that generated more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) than the allocations they received from the Federation Account. This exceptional performance highlights the transformative capacity of Wike’s administration in just 18 months.
The Numbers Speak
IGR of ₦211.10 billion surpassed the Gross Allocation of ₦151.80 billion and Net Allocation of ₦149.82 billion.
This achievement places the FCT as one of the few territories operating on a revenue surplus, emphasizing efficiency in resource mobilization and fiscal prudence.
Bold Reforms Driving Progress
Since assuming office, Wike has implemented bold reforms, setting the FCT on a trajectory of financial independence and sustainable growth. Key milestones include:
– Creation of the Abuja Service Commission: For the first time in the FCT’s history, a dedicated service commission was established to professionalize human resource management, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and improved service delivery. This singular move has institutionalized accountability and created a platform for civil service excellence.
– FCT’s Revenue Independence: Wike has empowered the FCT to generate its own revenue by streamlining tax systems, enforcing compliance, and expanding the tax base. This shift reduces dependence on federal allocations and ensures sustainable funding for development projects.
– Urban Renewal and Infrastructure Development: Under his watch, the FCT has undergone significant urban renewal efforts, including road rehabilitation, modern waste management systems, and strict enforcement of planning laws to enhance the capital’s aesthetics and functionality.
Leadership That Delivers
Critics may challenge Wike’s style of politics, which isn’t always to everyone’s taste. Yet, even his staunchest detractors cannot deny his unwavering commitment to performance and service whenever the opportunity arises. From his time as Rivers State Governor to his current role, Wike has consistently prioritized results, proving that actions speak louder than rhetoric.
A Leadership Benchmark
Compared to most states that struggle to balance their IGR and federal allocations, the FCT’s performance under Wike is a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve:
Lagos and Ogun aside, no other state matched the FCT’s financial autonomy in 2023.
His governance style, rooted in results and impact, sets a standard that leaders across the country should aspire to meet.
The Difference Leadership Makes
For citizens dissatisfied with underperforming governors, Wike’s achievements as FCT Minister highlight the power of effective leadership. While opinions on his approach and verbiage may vary, his penchant for delivering tangible results remains undeniable.
A Legacy of Excellence
Barrister Nyesom Wike has turned the FCT into a shining example of governance that delivers. With the Abuja Service Commission laying the foundation for accountability and the FCT advancing towards financial independence, Wike’s legacy is clear: when given the chance to serve, he transforms challenges into opportunities and leaves an indelible mark of progress.