Abuja Reports

Wike Pledges to Bridge Gaps for Disconnected Communities in Abuja

Published

11 months ago

December 11, 2024

Admin

By Njoku Chijioke

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has committed to connecting communities previously isolated from the Federal Capital City due to lack of access roads.
He attributed the disconnection to the neglect of vital infrastructure by past administrations of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Wike made the pledge on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a 15-kilometer road from the A2 junction, off the Abuja-Lokoja road, to Pai in Kwali Area Council.
This section of the road had previously been overlooked, while the 18-kilometer Pai-Gomani road was awarded in October last year.
Speaking at the event, Wike highlighted that since the creation of the FCT in 1976, insufficient progress had been made in developing roads to connect the satellite towns with the city.
He reassured residents that these infrastructure projects would not be abandoned, noting the unwavering support from President Tinubu’s administration to ensure completion.
Wike further emphasized the importance of road access in addressing insecurity, stating that well-constructed roads in rural areas would significantly improve safety and security.
“Insecurity often stems from lack of access, but with good roads, we will reduce insecurity in our communities,” he said.
The minister also called on residents to continue supporting President Tinubu’s infrastructure development initiatives.
He praised the National Assembly for their backing of the FCTA’s efforts.
“Abuja was established in 1976, but there has long been a disconnect between the city center and satellite towns.
Ideally, we would have had more than one developed city by now, with multiple urban centers to prevent overcrowding in the capital,” Wike remarked.
He expressed confidence that the government’s focus on infrastructure would bring about tangible benefits for governance. “With the renewed hope agenda, we aim to connect the satellite towns to the main city, so you no longer have to move to the city center for better living conditions.”
Wike assured the public that under President Tinubu’s administration, all promises and projects would be fulfilled.
“We are committed to completing every project we’ve started, with no intention of abandoning any initiative,” he concluded.

Abuja Reports

Abuja Waste Management Collapsing, Tinubu’s Aide Tells Wike

Published

20 hours ago

November 14, 2025

By Samson Adeyanju

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, has been urged to urgently address the worsening waste situation in Abuja to prevent a public health crisis.

Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, raised the alarm on Friday via his X account.

He said the city’s waste management system “has certainly broken” and called on Wike to take immediate action.

“Refuse is taking over the city. Minister Wike should pay immediate attention to this,” Ajayi said, while acknowledging the minister’s achievements in expanding roads and restarting abandoned infrastructure projects.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), has urged President Tinubu to compel Wike to apologise over derogatory remarks made against a naval officer, A. M. Yerima, during a dispute over a property in Abuja.

Falana said both Wike and the officer erred by taking the law into their own hands, though he praised the officer for maintaining restraint.

Falana highlighted the minister’s statutory duties under the Land Use Act but noted that Wike’s use of uncomplimentary language breached principles of dignity and respect.

He cited a Ghanaian precedent where a minister apologised for insulting a citizen, stressing that no public officer has the right to verbally abuse any Nigerian.

The comments were made on Thursday at the opening of the Legal Year of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, organised by the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), UNIABUJA Chapter.

Ajayi and Falana’s statements put renewed focus on governance and civility in public service amid rising concerns over waste management and law enforcement in Abuja.

Abuja Reports

Tinubu Reappoints Buba Marwa as NDLEA Chairman

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2025

By Onilede Titi Faith

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for another five-year term, extending his tenure to 2031.

Marwa, first appointed in January 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is credited with major reforms and an intensified nationwide drug enforcement campaign.

His reappointment was announced Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

A former military governor of Lagos and Borno States, Marwa also chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to 2020.

He holds postgraduate degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University.

Under his leadership, the NDLEA has recorded numerous high-profile drug seizures, arrested over 73,000 suspects, and expanded drug abuse prevention campaigns.

President Tinubu described the renewal of Marwa’s tenure as a vote of confidence in his efforts to combat drug trafficking and safeguard Nigerian youth.

Abuja Reports

Wike Defends Clash with Naval Officer

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Huldah Shado

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his confrontation with a naval officer, Lt. A.M. Yerima, over a disputed plot allegedly linked to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd).

Speaking after the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday in Abuja, Wike condemned what he described as Gambo’s “act of impunity” in deploying serving naval personnel to guard the contested property at Plot No. 1946, Gaduwa District.

He said he intervened after officers of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), were allegedly assaulted while enforcing development regulations.

“How can I sit as minister when government officials are being beaten up? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked.

Wike faulted the use of security operatives to protect private interests, citing examples of other former leaders like Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen. T.Y. Danjuma who, he said, always resolve issues respectfully.

He also criticised Yerima for allegedly insulting police officers at the scene, saying, “Nobody talks like that. You call them ‘bloody police’? These are the same government officials who made you what you are.”

Wike clarified that he had no problem with the military as an institution but would not tolerate lawlessness or intimidation of FCTA staff.