The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has said that deliberate investments in infrastructure and public services by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have significantly improved the quality of life for residents of Abuja and surrounding area councils.
Wike made the assertion during his end-of-year media interaction held on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. According to him, the administration’s emphasis on visible, people-centred projects across critical sectors such as transportation, education and healthcare has translated into measurable benefits for residents.
He explained that the opening of new roads and rehabilitation of existing ones has eased traffic congestion, reduced travel time and boosted economic activity across the territory. The minister added that road infrastructure remains a key determinant of productivity and social wellbeing.
“People are able to go to work and carry out their daily activities because roads that were previously inaccessible have been opened,” Wike said. “When roads are bad, it affects every aspect of life.”
Beyond transportation, the minister highlighted massive interventions in the education sector, noting that hundreds of school projects had either been completed or were ongoing across the FCT. He said the renovation and expansion of public schools were aimed at improving learning conditions and restoring confidence in public education.
“We have awarded over 200 contracts focused on upgrading schools. The goal is to create a learning environment that supports both teachers and students,” he stated.
Healthcare delivery, according to Wike, has also received sustained attention. He said health facilities across the territory were being renovated and equipped to ensure residents have access to quality medical care without unnecessary hardship.
Responding to Abuja’s recent ranking among the top five sub-national economies in Nigeria for Ease of Doing Business, the minister attributed the achievement to sustained improvements in security and infrastructure. He stressed that businesses thrive only in environments where safety and accessibility are guaranteed.
“We are deliberately creating conditions that encourage investment. Without security and good infrastructure, businesses will not survive. Abuja is doing well because these fundamentals are being addressed,” he said.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming Area Council elections in the FCT, Wike expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would record electoral victories. He argued that development had extended beyond the city centre to rural communities, giving residents tangible reasons to support the ruling party.
“People vote based on performance. Today, development is not limited to the city alone. Rural communities are seeing real projects, and that will reflect in the elections,” he said.
The minister also addressed reforms in land administration, acknowledging that some decisions had generated criticism among elite interests. However, he maintained that all actions taken were guided strictly by existing laws and aimed at protecting investors and public interest.
On national politics, Wike spoke on the need for cooperation between different arms and levels of government to ensure the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He disclosed plans to embark on a tour of local government areas in Rivers State to appreciate supporters and strengthen political alliances.
He also dismissed claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that he had offered to “hold the PDP” for President Tinubu during a past meeting. Wike described the claim as false and misleading.
According to him, the meeting involving some governors was solely to show support for the President’s leadership and had nothing to do with party politics.
“My support for President Tinubu has never been hidden. I did not need any meeting to declare it,” Wike said, adding that Makinde’s comments were driven by personal disappointment.
He further noted that while Oyo State had received significant federal support, including funds following the Ibadan explosion, the governor owed his people transparency on how such funds were utilised.
