Wike Defends FCT’s Infrastructure Spending, Says Roads Are Foundation Of Development

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s heavy investment in road infrastructure, insisting that roads remain the foundation of economic growth and sustainable development.

Speaking during his monthly media chat with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the administration would not be distracted by criticisms calling for resources to be spread evenly across all sectors, stressing that investments in transport infrastructure are critical to unlocking development in healthcare, education, agriculture and commerce.

According to the minister, meaningful socio-economic progress cannot be achieved without quality road networks, as roads serve as the backbone for investment, service delivery and economic expansion.

“Development starts with infrastructure. If there are no good roads, which schools will people attend? Which industries will investors establish? Roads and bridges open up the economy. Whether people like it or not, you cannot develop without roads,” Wike said.

The minister noted that although road projects have attracted significant public attention, the FCT Administration has simultaneously invested in other critical sectors, including water supply, education and healthcare.

He disclosed that the Abuja City Water Supply Project and the Greater Abuja Water Scheme had recently been commissioned, adding that water distribution would be extended to satellite towns such as Bwari, Abaji and Kuje by 2026.

Wike also revealed that more than 120 schools had been rehabilitated under the current administration, dismissing allegations that the government had concentrated almost exclusively on road construction.

According to him, road infrastructure remains the catalyst for development across every sector, particularly agriculture, where improved access roads are expected to reduce transportation costs, facilitate the movement of farm produce and stimulate economic activities in rural communities.

“When there are no roads, farmers cannot move their produce to markets. Businesses suffer and insecurity thrives. Roads are central to socio-economic development,” he said.

The minister also defended the administration’s urban renewal programme, maintaining that illegal roadside trading would not be allowed to undermine investments in road infrastructure.

He rejected claims that traders removed from road corridors had merely been deprived of their means of livelihood.

“Government cannot build roads today and allow them to become markets tomorrow. We cannot encourage illegality simply because people say they are trying to survive. We have designated markets for trading,” he stated.

Addressing concerns over the increasing presence of street beggars and suspected hoodlums within the nation’s capital, Wike vowed that enforcement operations would continue despite public criticism.

“We are going to chase them out. If government does not act, there will be lawlessness everywhere. I hope the media will support us when we take the necessary action,” he said.

Wike further explained that the FCT Administration had adopted a community-driven development model that allows residents to participate in determining project priorities.

Rather than imposing projects from government offices, he said officials now engage directly with communities to identify their most pressing needs before contracts are awarded.

“We go to the communities and ask them what they want. They become part of the decision-making process and take ownership of the projects,” he added.

The minister announced that the FCT Administration would embark on a 31-day project commissioning exercise to commemorate the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, an increase from the 19-day commissioning programme held during the President’s second anniversary.

He said the projects would include completed roads, water infrastructure and other public facilities across the city centre and satellite towns.

Wike also disclosed that the Central Business District Bus and Taxi Terminal would commence operations before the end of the year.

According to him, additional bus terminals proposed for Gwagwalada and Bwari have entered the procurement stage, while contractor-related issues delaying the Kubwa terminal are being resolved.

On the remodelling of the Abuja City Gate, the minister revealed that the project originated from a suggestion by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who encouraged the administration to improve the aesthetics of the nation’s capital.

He added that the First Lady would commission the project upon completion, noting that the upgraded facility incorporates improved lighting and enhanced security features.

Responding to questions on why he personally addresses virtually every issue concerning the FCT Administration, Wike said the responsibility for governance ultimately rests with him.

“I know virtually everything happening in the departments because I supervise them. It is better for people to hear directly from me because I take responsibility for the administration’s actions,” he said.