‘You Have Not Disappointed Me,’ Tinubu Tells FCT Minister Wike

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, delivered what many observers described as his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, praising the latter for driving the rapid transformation of Abuja through massive infrastructure development.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and associated road networks in Katampe District of the nation’s capital city, the President said Wike had justified the confidence reposed in him to turn Abuja into a modern and globally competitive capital city.

Tinubu commended the former Rivers State governor for delivering critical infrastructure projects across the FCT, including roads, water schemes, infrastructure for the judiciary and urban renewal initiatives.

“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track record. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr. President,” VP Shettima quoted Tinubu as saying.

“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr. Project’ for a reason,” he added.

The President spoke as the FCT Administration marked the eighth day of an extensive project commissioning exercise showcasing projects completed under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He described the newly completed road as evidence of the administration’s commitment to restoring public confidence in governance through visible and impactful development.

According to Tinubu, the installation of solar-powered streetlights along major roads has enhanced security and helped revive social and economic activities within the nation’s capital.

“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” he said.

The President stressed that the significance of the project goes beyond its physical structure.

“CN2 is more than concrete and asphalt. It represents hope. It demonstrates that government can deliver. It shows Nigerians that the Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into tangible results,” he added.

Tinubu noted that the road project would improve connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi and adjoining districts, while opening up new opportunities for businesses and residents.

The commissioning comes amid a wave of infrastructure development across the FCT, where new roads, bridges, water projects and public facilities are reshaping the urban landscape and stimulating private sector investment.

Earlier in his remarks, Wike explained that the Katampe road project was conceived to address a critical infrastructure gap identified after the completion of adjoining road networks in the area.

“Last year, when Mr. President commissioned the Gishiri Road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.

The minister disclosed that the project had already begun attracting investors and unlocking significant real estate development within Katampe and surrounding districts.

“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” Wike stated.

According to him, infrastructure remains the backbone of development and one of the most effective tools for economic growth, job creation and improved living standards.

He said ongoing projects across the FCT have generated employment opportunities and stimulated economic activities, with thousands of Nigerians benefiting directly and indirectly from the construction boom.

Wike also highlighted the administration’s efforts to spread development beyond Abuja’s city centre to satellite towns and rural communities.

Referring to the recently commissioned road linking Tungan-Madaki and neighbouring communities, he said the Tinubu administration was committed to ensuring that every part of the FCT benefits from government intervention.

“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said.

The minister further disclosed that another major infrastructure milestone would be recorded on Monday with the commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu, aimed at improving access to potable water in satellite towns and surrounding communities.

In her vote of thanks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a reflection of President Tinubu’s vision of using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved quality of life.

She commended the President, members of the National Assembly, Wike, engineers, contractors and community leaders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project.

Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project comprises a 3.9-kilometre road network equipped with underground drainage systems, water pipelines, sewer infrastructure, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered streetlights, walkways and green areas.

According to Dauda, the road will significantly improve connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and adjoining districts while opening up new corridors for residential and commercial development.

With the latest commissioning, the FCT Administration has intensified efforts to position Abuja as a modern, efficient and globally competitive capital city, reinforcing the Tinubu administration’s position that infrastructure development remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda.