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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, has taken decisive steps to enhance agricultural productivity and educational standards while addressing urban management challenges in Abuja. During a recent meeting, the committee approved several memos from various mandate secretaries, aimed at fostering lasting improvements in food security and educational outcomes for the residents of Nigeria’s capital.
In a statement issued by
Director, Press (Office of the Hon. Minister), Anthony Ogunleye, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Malam Lawan Geidam announced that the committee has approved a substantial procurement plan to bolster dry-season farming efforts across the FCT. This initiative includes: 300 Metric Tons of NPK Fertilizer, 300 Metric Tons of Urea Fertilizer, 310 NAFSAT Sprayers and 3,500 Liters of Liquid Fertilizer.
Geidam, emphasised that this procurement is a pioneering step for the FCT, marking the first time such a comprehensive plan has been implemented to encourage irrigation farming. “As you know, the rainy season has ended. We are transitioning into dry-season farming, which focuses on irrigation. This initiative will enable us to engage in agriculture all year round,” he stated.
He further explained that this policy aims to enhance food security in Nigeria’s capital by promoting continuous agricultural production throughout the year. “This will not only improve food availability but also support local farmers in achieving sustainable livelihoods,” he added.
In tandem with agricultural advancements, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, Danlami Hayyo, provided details on a transformative initiative aimed at modernizing the educational landscape in Abuja. He said the l committee approved contracts for Procurement of Over 1,000 Computersfor Senior Secondary Schools and Provision of Examination Materials for FCT Schools.
Hayyo put the total value of these contracts at approximately ₦990 million. “This initiative is crucial for digitalizing our education system in the FCT. By providing over 1,000 laptops equipped with vocational and educational curriculum content, we are moving towards a media-based education system,” he explained.
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He expressed optimism about the impact this initiative will have on students’ learning experiences. “This digital transformation will assist students significantly in preparing for JAMB and other examinations. We anticipate that in the coming years, even WAEC and NECO will adopt Computer-Based Testing (CBT) formats,” Hayyo stated.
The FCT executive meeting also addressed the pressing issue of relocating automobile mechanics and spare parts dealers currently operating along the road corridor in Apo to Wasa district.
Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Felix Obuah, who briefed journalists at the end of the meeting, revealed that approximately 15,000 traders were enumerated in the Apo Mechanic Village area, with about 12,000 having submitted applications for relocation assistance.
He said the executive meeting resolved to tackle various challenges associated with the relocation process to facilitate a smooth transition to a permanent site in Wasa District.
“To ensure fairness and support for these traders during this transition, the EXCO is committed to addressing all grey areas affecting their relocation,” Obuah affirmed. He assured that measures would be put in place to alleviate any financial burdens on traders involved in this relocation effort. “We want to ensure that no one is surcharged during this process,” he added.
General Counsel for the FCTA, Salman Dako, on his part provided insights into another important development discussed during the meeting. A memorandum was approved for constructing an office complex intended for the Body of Benchers in Abuja.
“This new office complex will provide adequate accommodation and create an enabling environment for the Body of Benchers to carry out their statutory functions effectively,” Dako explained.
He noted that a contractor has been given a timeline of 10 months to complete this project. “We believe that within this period, we will have a befitting complex ready for them,” he concluded.
