Tinubu Urged To Deploy Wike To Transport Ministry To Spearhead Rail Revolution

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

ABUJA, NIGERIA – A legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Ikenna Ahumibe, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider redeploying the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to the Federal Ministry of Transportation to lead a comprehensive transformation of Nigeria’s railway sector.

He made the recommendation in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, citing Wike’s track record in delivering major infrastructure projects within the FCT as evidence of his capacity to drive meaningful reforms in the transportation sector.

According to the lawyer, Wike has emerged as one of the standout performers in the Tinubu administration, owing to his swift execution and completion of critical infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital.

He argued that the same commitment and efficiency could be leveraged to accelerate the development and modernization of Nigeria’s rail network.

He noted that Nigeria’s railway sector requires a visionary and result-oriented leader capable of driving the expansion of rail networks across the country and connecting all states through modern transportation infrastructure.

“The remarkable performance of the FCT Minister over the past three years has demonstrated exceptional leadership, efficiency and an unwavering commitment to achieving tangible results,” Ahumibe stated.

He argued that an expanded railway network would significantly boost economic growth, facilitate interstate commerce, reduce transportation costs, create employment opportunities and strengthen national integration.

Ahumibe maintained that Wike possesses the determination, execution capacity and administrative experience required to deliver such an ambitious national project. “Given his track record of delivering projects within record time, Wike stands out as one of the administration’s best-performing officials and possesses the ability to link all states in the federation with railway lines,” he said.

The lawyer acknowledged that the minister remains a “controversial” political figure in some quarters but stressed that his competence in project delivery cannot be overlooked. “Wike has consistently demonstrated the ability to complete projects efficiently and on schedule. This is essential for reviving Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure.

He further described the former Rivers State governor as an experienced administrator, political strategist, and entrepreneur whose leadership qualities could significantly advance the Federal Government’s infrastructure ambitions if deployed to the transportation ministry.

According to Ahumibe, Wike’s appointment to the sector could fast-track the modernization of Nigeria’s railway system and contribute to a lasting legacy in national transportation development.

He added that as the Tinubu administration continues to implement its Renewed Hope Agenda, placing competent and result-driven individuals in key strategic positions remains essential to achieving the government’s broader development goals.

“Wike is an asset to this administration. His expertise could be instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s railway system into one that effectively serves every region of the country,” he added.

The lawyer therefore called on President Tinubu to give the suggestion a favourable consideration, insisting that Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure requires urgent attention to unlock the country’s economic potential.

He expressed confidence that placing Wike at the helm of the transportation ministry would help fast-track the modernization and expansion of the nation’s railway network, thereby improving connectivity and economic opportunities across the federation.