The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet if anyone can prove that the road construction figures he presented on projects in Abuja’s satellite towns are false.
Wike made the statement on Friday during the inauguration of the reconstructed Arab/Gbazango Road in Kubwa, Abuja.
He said the Tinubu administration had completed 221 kilometres of roads out of the 317 kilometres awarded across satellite communities in the FCT since the President assumed office in May 2023.
The minister said residents of the satellite towns had already begun to enjoy the impact of the ongoing infrastructure projects, insisting that the current level of development had never been witnessed in the history of the FCT.
“The people of the satellite towns have felt the impact of governance. It has never happened in the history of the administration of this country,” Wike said.
Throwing a challenge to critics of the administration, he added, “If there is anybody who has a contrary view, let him come out and challenge us that all these you are saying is not correct, I will resign as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.”
The commissioning of the Arab/Gbazango Road formed part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing project inauguration programme, which has seen several completed infrastructure projects unveiled across Abuja. The road is expected to improve transportation within Kubwa and strengthen access to the Outer Northern Expressway while boosting commercial activities in the area.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the newly reconstructed road would make movement easier for residents, improve the transportation of agricultural produce, enhance emergency response and stimulate business activities.
Abbas also praised Wike for what he described as impactful infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory, saying the projects were improving the lives of residents.
Wike’s remarks come amid continued debate over the pace of infrastructure delivery under the Tinubu administration. While the FCT minister insists the government’s achievements are visible across Abuja’s satellite towns, opposition figures and some critics have questioned the scale and quality of projects executed so far.
The latest declaration also follows a series of endorsements Wike has received from President Tinubu over his performance. During the inauguration of the Bwari Water Supply Network earlier this week, Tinubu assured residents that his administration would extend clean water to all six area councils under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the President described access to clean water as a fundamental right and said the newly completed 198-kilometre pipeline network connecting Bwari and surrounding communities to the Lower Usuma Dam would provide safe and reliable water for residents.
Tinubu also commended Wike for improving the FCT’s internally generated revenue and delivering key infrastructure projects in roads, housing and water supply, describing him as a dependable driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the water project inauguration, Wike recalled that Tinubu had directed the FCT Administration to extend potable water to satellite towns during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Project in 2025.
“We want Nigerians to know that our focus is not only on roads. We are equally investing in other critical sectors, including water supply,” the minister said.
Last month, President Tinubu also gave Wike one of his strongest public endorsements during the commissioning of the Collector Road CN2 in Katampe. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said, “When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track records. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President.”
He added, “From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason.”
