2026 INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE BY THE FCT MINISTER, HIS EXCELLENCY, EZENWO NYESOM WIKE, CON, TO RESIDENTS OF THE FCT
1ST OCTOBER, 2026
Dear Residents of the Federal Capital Territory,
On this auspicious day, as we celebrate the 66th Independence Anniversary of our great nation, on behalf of the FCT Administration, I extend my warmest greetings and congratulations to every one of you.
Sixty-six years ago, our founding fathers laid the foundation for a sovereign nation built on the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress. Today, we look back at our journey with pride, acknowledging our resilience as a people and reaffirming our commitment to the growth and prosperity of our beloved country.
In keeping with the theme of this year’s celebration, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity”, we acknowledge the challenges that have faced our nation in the past 66 years, but also see a great opportunity for renewal and sustainable growth. We are very optimistic that the future is brighter. We have a President who is intentional about prioritising the well-being of the citizens and has brought unprecedented development to the FCT.
The Federal Capital Territory stands as the ultimate symbol of our national unity—a place where Nigerians from every tribe, tongue, and faith come together to live, work, and thrive in peace. Abuja is not just a city; it is the heartbeat of a diverse people bound by a common destiny.
As an administration, our primary mission remains the transformation of Abuja into a world-class capital city that reflects this collective strength. We are driven by a vision of a modern, inclusive, and functional territory where public services work for everyone.
This administration understands that a capital city must lead by example, and we are fully committed to setting a standard of excellence in governance. In line with the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have ensured that the benefits of good governance extend to the common man outside the city centre.
To achieve this, we invested heavily in critical infrastructure, upgrading our road networks, and expanding public transportation to ease commuting. We are tackling the challenges of urban sprawl by ensuring that development reaches every corner of our territory. From the city center to the outermost communities, our focus is on building durable infrastructure that will serve generations to come.
This administration has totally transformed the road network of the FCT from the City Centre to the remotest rural parts of the Territory, providing world class roads, equipped with drainage and solar lighting thereby putting an end to both inaccessibility and insecurity in far-flung settlements in the Federal Capital Territory.
Ultramodern bus terminals have been built in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, and in the near future it will be extended to other area councils like Kuje, Bwari and Gwagwalada so as to ensure commuters in the FCT enjoy transportation services that are both safe and secure.
Furthermore, we are improving access to quality healthcare and education across all area councils to ensure no resident is left behind. We believe that a healthy and educated population is the bedrock of any prosperous society. By equipping our schools and revitalizing our primary health centers, we are securing a brighter, healthier and more competitive future for our children.
Your safety and security remain our top priority, and we are working closely with security agencies to ensure that the FCT remains safe for all residents and visitors. We have intensified surveillance, enhanced community policing, and deployed modern technology to combat crime effectively. We will not relent in our duty to protect lives and property across the length and breadth of the territory.
I, therefore, urge you all to remain law-abiding, support government’s development initiatives, and protect our public infrastructure from vandalism. Let us take pride in our surroundings and maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of our beautiful capital.
My dear residents, as the nation prepares for the forthcoming general elections in January, 2027, I enjoin you all to see it as an opportunity to vote in progressive, visionary leaders that will sustain and expand the infrastructural revolution that has commenced in the FCT, leaders who have vision and capacity to bring more development and prosperity to the people.
In conclusion, I urge us to continue to coexist in harmony, showing the love and tolerance that make our city a true home for all. Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work with a shared purpose and a unified vision. Together, we will build an FCT that we can all be proud of – a beacon of hope and prosperity for the entire African continent.
I thank you for your continued partnership, your resilience, and your unwavering faith in our mission.
Happy Independence Day, and may God bless the Federal Capital Territory, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
HIS EXCELLENCY, EZENWO NYESOM WIKE, CON
HONOURABLE MINISTER OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY
