Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to sustain their support for President Bola Tinubu as the administration intensifies infrastructure development across satellite towns.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, made the call on Wednesday while addressing residents along the Bwari–Kubwa road during an inspection tour of ongoing projects.
Wike said the Tinubu administration remains focused on delivering tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, noting that recent infrastructure strides have begun to change perceptions among residents.
“It is very difficult for anybody to win an election in the FCT against Mr President because to them, it is surprising what they have seen in their lives,” he said.
The minister attributed the growing support for the administration to visible development, particularly the deliberate expansion of projects beyond Abuja’s city centre to previously underserved satellite communities.
According to him, the shift in focus followed longstanding concerns about the over-concentration of development in the capital’s urban core.
“We were told clearly that there is over-concentration of development in the city, and we must go to the satellite towns. These communities are part of Abuja, and their lives must also change,” he stated.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on key road projects in areas such as Karu, Apo-Karshi, and the Bwari–Kubwa corridor, noting that many of the benefiting communities are experiencing such development for the first time.
He added that improved road infrastructure would significantly ease movement, reduce travel time, and enhance connectivity between satellite towns and the city centre.
“People can now live in places like Kuje and get to work in the city within 25 minutes. That is the kind of impact we are talking about,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that several projects are scheduled for completion and commissioning as part of activities marking the anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
On concerns about the activities of real estate developers in the FCT, Wike dismissed calls for the creation of a new regulatory body, insisting that existing institutions are sufficient to address the challenges.
“The problem in Nigeria is the proliferation of agencies. Creating more agencies will not solve the problem,” he said.
He emphasised that the Department of Development Control already has the mandate to enforce compliance with the Abuja Master Plan, stressing the need to strengthen existing structures rather than establish new ones.
“What is important is to strengthen existing structures. The FCT Administration can handle complaints and ensure that developers do not exploit innocent citizens,” he added.
Wike assured residents that reported cases of malpractice would be addressed promptly, with appropriate remedies provided where necessary.
“If there are complaints, we know what to do. We will ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.
He also called for unity and collective support for government efforts, stressing that national development requires cooperation from all stakeholders. The minister extended goodwill to Muslim faithful, wishing them a peaceful Ramadan.
Infrastructure development in the FCT has long faced criticism over the concentration of projects within Abuja’s city centre, with residents of satellite towns often highlighting poor road networks, limited access to services, and slow-paced development.
However, since the inauguration of President Tinubu in 2023, the FCT Administration has renewed its focus on expanding road construction and rehabilitation to satellite areas, alongside efforts to improve connectivity with the capital’s urban centre.
