FCT MINISTER PLEDGES ROADS AS CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO RESIDENTS, CAMPAIGNS FOR TINUBU, ADUDA
By Wisdom Acka
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on ongoing infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital, reassuring residents that key road networks will be completed and delivered as Christmas gifts from President Bola Tinubu.
This is as he expresses confidence that weather conditions would soon improve to allow for accelerated earthworks on the project sites.
Wike made the assertion on Tuesday, 22 September, 2026 during an inspection tour of three major road projects, including the Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II by Mbora District, the Tugan Madaki-Zuba Road, and the Kagini Road off Old Keffi Road.
He said: ”I am very impressed with the jobs we have seen so far, and I am most impressed with the commitment of the contractors.
“We have promised the residents that this will be their Christmas gift by Mr. President… so that they will go back home and enjoy their Christmas period,” Wike assured.
He added that the completed infrastructure would boost local commerce and lift the spirits of residents, particularly those in rural communities. “When they are happy, of course, that is the essence of good governance -when the people are happy, then you will be happy,” he stated.
Reacting to allegations raised by the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, regarding alleged illegal borrowing and debt accumulation, the Minister dismissed the claims, clarifying that no loan can be obtained without statutory approval from the National Assembly.
“There is no way we can be granted a loan without the approval of the National Assembly. If you want to take a loan, you will include it in the budget; this is the aspect of this budget that you are going to collect a loan for.”
He further stressed that infrastructure development across the territory speaks for itself, questioning the grounds of the opposition’s criticism. “I thought she would criticize that I am doing nothing.
“So, my problem is that I took a loan… she believes that with the kind of infrastructure going on there, we must have taken a loan,” he said.
Responding to inquiries about combining official project inspections with political campaigning, Wike maintained that showcasing actual project execution forms the core of effective governance and political outreach.
”How is it not time for campaign? This is the line the people are looking for, what we are doing -that’s the campaign. Who will see what Mr. President is doing and will say that you will go and look for another person?, Wike asserted.
Addressing a cheering crowd at the Kagini project site, alongside former lawmaker, Senator Philip Aduda, the Minister urged residents to back the current administration and elect leaders who can deliver tangible dividends of democracy.
”I came here with the man that represents you people well, and that is Senator Philip Aduda,” Wike told the crowd, asking if they would vote Tinubu and Aduda, to which the people responded with a thunderous “yes”.
