FCT Minister vows to resist sabotage during 16-day development blitz
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to contractors ahead of a new wave of infrastructure projects in Abuja. Speaking on Thursday, September 18, 2025, during the flag-off of the Arterial Road N1 construction from Wuye District to Ring Road II, Wike made it clear that he is prepared for any form of resistance as he rolls out a 16-day development agenda spanning from September 18 to October 16.
The former Rivers State governor said that while some contractors may feel threatened by the administration’s new maintenance and payment strategy, he is fully ready for any pushback and remains committed to delivering results.
“If you’re not prepared for this job, go home and sleep,” Wike stated. “I’m prepared to support and help Mr. President to achieve for this country to get to where we’re supposed to be.”
Lighting up Abuja sparks tension with contractors
One of the key components of the FCT’s latest infrastructure drive is the comprehensive overhaul of street lighting systems across Abuja. Wike revealed that the decision to launch this initiative has already sparked discontent among contractors who have long benefited from opaque and repetitive maintenance contracts.
“Very soon, we are flagging off the project to light up the whole of Abuja and you will see another fight,” Wike said. “Every day I see files for maintenance—maintenance of street lights, maintenance of back road lights. You continue to pay and pay. We’ve now come up with a strategy on how to pay, and of course, they will fight it.”
The minister noted that several groups—ranging from generator suppliers to politically connected contractors—stand to lose out under the new regime, prompting anticipated resistance. He called out entrenched interests who have turned routine maintenance into a cash cow, saying those unwilling to embrace transparency and performance should stay away from the new projects.
A new era of accountability in FCT project management
Wike’s administration is adopting a more strategic and performance-driven approach to FCT project execution and maintenance. Unlike previous administrations that disbursed funds without strong performance monitoring, Wike is implementing systems that tie payment to actual results and discourage recurring expenses on the same infrastructure.
He pointed out that political interests are often tied to these recurring contracts, with some individuals seeing them as their personal entitlement.
“There are those from outside who believe that it’s their traditional title to produce generators—they will fight you. There are those politicians whose duty every time is to put street light—they will fight you,” he said.
Commitment to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Wike reiterated that his push for accountability and accelerated development aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed that his priority is not appeasing entrenched interests, but ensuring that the FCT meets modern standards of infrastructure, service delivery, and urban development.
“I’m prepared to support and help Mr. President to achieve for this country to get to where we’re supposed to be,” the minister said emphatically.
More flag-offs and commissioning events expected
This latest phase of development in Abuja will see multiple project flag-offs and commissioning ceremonies over the next 16 days. The FCT Administration is expected to unveil road projects, lighting systems, and public facility upgrades as part of Wike’s aggressive urban renewal campaign.
The FCT Minister’s remarks suggest that the coming days could be pivotal for reshaping the capital’s infrastructure landscape, with implications for long-standing contractor relationships and maintenance systems.
As Abuja residents watch the developments unfold, stakeholders and analysts alike will be keen to see whether Wike’s firm stance can translate into tangible improvements in the capital city—and whether the anticipated resistance from vested interests will materialize.
