Support Tinubu, FCT Residents Urged as Wike Inspects Ongoing Satellite Town Projects

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called on residents to sustain their support for President Bola Tinubu, assuring that ongoing infrastructure projects across satellite towns will be expedited to improve living conditions.

Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday during an inspection tour of communities along the Bwari–Kubwa road, where he engaged residents and assessed the progress of ongoing road works.

According to the minister, the current administration is prioritising projects that deliver direct benefits to the people, particularly in areas previously underserved by infrastructure development.

“It is very difficult for anybody to win an election in the FCT against Mr President because to them (the residents), it is surprising what they have seen in their lives,” he said.

Wike attributed the growing political support for the President to visible development efforts, especially the extension of road projects to satellite towns a move aimed at addressing longstanding complaints about the concentration of infrastructure within the city centre.

“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 added.

During the inspection, the minister expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on roads spanning Karu, Apo-Karshi, and the Bwari–Kubwa corridor. He noted that many residents in these areas were experiencing such government-funded projects for the first time.

Wike emphasised that improved road networks would significantly 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 stated.

He also disclosed that some of the projects would be completed and commissioned to mark the anniversary of President Tinubu’s tenure.

On the issue of real estate regulation, the minister dismissed calls for the creation of a new regulatory body, arguing that existing institutions are sufficient to address challenges posed by developers.

“The problem in Nigeria is the proliferation of agencies. Creating more agencies will not solve the problem,” Wike said.

He noted 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 all reported cases of malpractice would be investigated and appropriate action taken.

“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 cooperation among stakeholders, noting that national development requires collective effort.

“This is a period for everyone to work together and support the government. The focus is on improving Nigeria, particularly in the area of security,” he said, while extending Ramadan greetings to the Muslim faithful.

The FCT Administration has, since the inauguration of President Tinubu in 2023, intensified efforts to expand infrastructure to satellite towns, responding to years of criticism over the neglect of communities outside the capital’s central area.