“We’re Here to Serve All, Not Please a Few” – Wike Defends Tough Moves on FCT Reforms

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says his administration is committed to serving the general public, not pandering to a select few. Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja, the minister defended his reform agenda, emphasizing that real leadership often involves making unpopular but necessary decisions. “We’re here to serve the city, not please a few persons” he said, in response to mounting criticism over his policies on demolitions, taxation, infrastructure, and transportation.

In recent months, Abuja residents have voiced frustration over growing economic hardship, insecurity, traffic bottlenecks, and demolitions. However, Wike said leadership requires courage and action, not sentiment. “Leadership is not a tea party,” he pointed out. “You can’t govern by avoiding tough calls. Some decisions will offend people — even political allies — but you must act for the greater good.”

Wike addressed the pressing issue of clean water shortages in satellite towns like Bwari and Kubwa. He blamed the situation on long-standing neglect and a failed Chinese-backed water project that had been abandoned for years. “We have the loans, but no results,” he lamented. He announced that the first phase of the project will soon be commissioned, and that President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦50 billion in the 2024 budget to ensure speedy delivery.

The minister also spoke on the state of revenue generation in the FCT. He expressed disappointment over poor compliance with ground rent and tax payments, saying many residents demand government services but refuse to fulfill their civic responsibilities. “We published over 5,000 names of defaulters. Instead of paying, people accuse us of land grabbing. If you have land, you must pay for it. You want service? You must pay tax,” Wike said.

According to him, the FCT has a ₦1.8 trillion budget for 2024, with ₦1.3 trillion allocated to capital projects. But despite being the seat of power, Abuja receives only 1% of the national revenue allocation. He called for a special status for the capital city to help it meet its infrastructure demands.

On transportation, Wike acknowledged the inconvenience faced by residents due to traffic congestion and the menace of “one-chance” criminal gangs. He said the administration is building three new bus terminals in Kubwa, Mabushi, and the Central Area, and introducing a color-coded, registered bus system to phase out illegal operators. “We’re subsidizing transport to make it affordable. But there must be order,” he said.

The minister addressed the issue of insecurity head-on, saying that some criminals disguise themselves as transport operators. “We’ll launch the bus scheme with a proper database. These one-chance guys won’t have a place to hide anymore,” he added.

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Demolition exercises have been a major talking point, especially in places like Guzape, where houses were pulled down to clear a road corridor. Wike defended the action, explaining that the properties were built on land meant for public infrastructure. “We paid compensation — even double in some cases. Yet they blocked a federal road for years. That road must pass. If that offends anyone, too bad,” he said.

He also dismissed claims that the demolitions and reforms were targeted at certain ethnic groups. “For the first time, two mandate secretaries are FCT indigenes. The permanent secretary is not only an indigene but also a woman — a first in FCT history. So how is this ethnic bias?” he questioned.

On education and the condition of public schools, Wike admitted that many schools are dilapidated due to poor funding and neglect. He revealed that ₦60 billion has already been paid to clear 40% of the FCT’s debt backlog, and from July, all six Area Councils will receive their full 10% statutory allocation, which must be used for development at the grassroots.

He promised that going forward, only projects with secured funding will be awarded to prevent the common problem of abandoned or poorly executed contracts. “The 2024 statutory budget is ready, and procurement starts this week. But we won’t start projects we can’t finish,” he noted.

Wike maintained a tough stance, saying he will not be distracted by media attacks or political games. “I know some people are angry because we won’t let them break the rules. They can go to the rooftops and shout — it won’t stop us. We’re here to restore Abuja, not to make noise,” he said.

Wike also took a swipe at critics who, he claimed, want to benefit from the system without contributing to it. “It’s easy to talk when you’re not paying tax. Development doesn’t happen with mouth. It happens with money,” he said.