Wike urges FCT residents to back Tinubu as satellite town projects advance
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to sustain their support for Bola Tinubu as infrastructure projects in satellite towns gather pace, with assurances that the administration remains focused on improving living conditions.
The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, made the appeal on Wednesday while addressing residents along the Bwari–Kubwa road during an inspection tour of ongoing works.
He said the president’s priority was to deliver tangible benefits and ensure citizens experienced meaningful development, arguing that visible progress had reshaped public perception.
“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,” Wike said.
He attributed growing support for the administration to the expansion of infrastructure projects beyond the city centre to previously underserved communities, noting that the shift followed longstanding complaints about uneven development.
“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 said.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on key road projects across Karu, Apo-Karshi and the Bwari–Kubwa corridor, observing that many of the affected communities were witnessing such development for the first time.
He added that improved road networks would cut travel time and strengthen connectivity between satellite towns and the capital’s core districts.
“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 disclosed that some of the projects would be completed and inaugurated as part of activities marking the anniversary of Tinubu’s administration.
Addressing concerns about the conduct of real estate developers, Wike dismissed calls for a new regulatory body, insisting that existing institutions were sufficient to manage the sector.
“The problem in Nigeria is the proliferation of agencies. Creating more agencies will not solve the problem,” he said, pointing to the Department of Development Control as having the mandate to enforce compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.
“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.
He assured residents that reported cases of malpractice would be addressed, with appropriate remedies where necessary.
“If there are complaints, we know what to do. We will ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.
Wike also called for unity and collective support for government efforts, stressing that national development required cooperation from all stakeholders, particularly in addressing security challenges.
“This is a period for everyone to work together and support the government. The focus is on improving Nigeria,” he said, extending goodwill to Muslim faithful during Ramadan.
For years, infrastructure development in the FCT has drawn criticism for its concentration in Abuja’s city centre, with residents of satellite towns citing poor road networks, limited access to services and slower development.
Since Tinubu’s inauguration in 2023, the FCT Administration has renewed its focus on road construction and rehabilitation in satellite towns, alongside efforts to improve connectivity with the capital.