From Adesuwa Tsan
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the security challenges facing Nigeria’s capital as complex, calling for a coordinated national strategy to effectively tackle the situation.
Speaking during the defence of the FCT’s proposed N1.78 trillion 2025 budget at the National Assembly, Wike emphasised the unique status of Abuja and the need for a broader federal approach to its security.
“You cannot talk about autonomy in a city where the President resides, where the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and every corporate head of the country operates from. The security of this city is not something we can handle alone,” Wike told Senators.
He explained that the FCT Administration is working closely with national security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police, to create a robust security architecture for the capital.
“This city requires total security architecture because of its national importance. We’ve begun serious collaboration with national security agencies. We can’t afford failure in this area.”
Wike also decried the absence of effective surveillance systems in Abuja, blaming the situation on political sabotage and bureaucratic inertia.
“You wonder why we still can’t have effective CCTV coverage in the capital. Sometimes, it’s internal politics, sometimes it’s outright sabotage. Even when projects are approved, you find people who deliberately frustrate implementation,” he lamented.
Responding to calls for FCT autonomy, the Minister cautioned against oversimplifying the issue, citing constitutional and security realities.
“The FCT is not like any other state. You don’t have a House of Assembly here; our laws are made by the National Assembly. This setup is by design and cannot be wished away,” he clarified.
To address the capital’s challenges more effectively, Wike proposed a multi-sectoral summit involving stakeholders from security, health, and other critical sectors to develop a unified strategy.
“The issues we face here are complicated and cannot be solved in isolation. We need a coordinated effort that brings all stakeholders together,” he said.
On healthcare, the minister announced the successful procurement of advanced diagnostic equipment for FCT hospitals.
“As of yesterday, we completed procurement processes for an MRI and CT scan machine. These will be delivered to our health facilities soon. It’s part of our effort to improve access to quality medical care in the territory,” he stated.
Defending the proposed ₦1.78 trillion 2025 statutory budget, Wike told the Senate Committees on FCT and FCT Area Councils that 85 percent of capital votes would go toward completing long-abandoned and ongoing projects.
“Out of the total capital allocation, 85 percent is dedicated to completing ongoing projects, many of which were inherited, some dating as far back as 2010. Government is a continuum. What matters is not who awarded a project, but who completes it, because these are public funds,” he said.
The budget allocates ₦1.29 trillion (72.33 percent) to capital expenditure and ₦494 billion to recurrent costs. Wike said this aligns with global best practices prioritising infrastructure over overheads.
He was accompanied by Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and senior officials of the FCTA. He praised the National Assembly’s support for the FCT’s 85 percent budget performance in 2024.
“In governance, results don’t come from magic. If the monkey jumps, it’s because the tree is nearby,” Wike said.
The minister also revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a 19-day window for the FCTA to commission completed projects in transport, education, road infrastructure, and public services.
“This will be the first time an administration is rolling out development projects across satellite towns like Gwagwalada, Kwali, Abaji, and AMAC. I urge you to attend the unveiling of the International Conference Centre—seeing is believing,” he told lawmakers.
Wike recalled the embarrassment caused during the last ECOWAS Parliament event at the old International Conference Centre (ICC), and assured that the new National Conference Centre would reflect Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa.
“We can’t keep calling ourselves the giant of Africa only in words. It must show in our infrastructure. What happened at the ICC was shameful. But the President has charged us to change that narrative,” he said.
On revenue, Wike explained that the FCT’s finances include both distributable and non-distributable components, such as the China Exim Bank loan for the Abuja Light Rail and UBEC counterpart funds, which are earmarked for specific projects.
He also noted a N115 billion increase in the 2025 budget compared to the revised 2024 figure of N1.66 trillion, crediting improved internal revenue generation and financial performance.
Personnel costs are projected to rise slightly from N140 billion in 2024 to N150 billion in 2025 due to staff promotions and the appointment of new Secretaries.
Wike assured that lawmakers would receive formal invitations to the upcoming project commissioning ceremonies, but emphasized that their oversight had already played a key role in the FCTA’s success.
“Even if you go alone to inspect the projects, you’ll see it’s not just talk. It’s real. This is service delivery,” he concluded.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai, commended the FCT Administration for achieving an 85 percent budget implementation rate in 2024.
He noted that of the N1.78 trillion proposed for 2025, N1.089 trillion—representing 85 percent of the capital budget—is dedicated to ongoing projects, with N200.77 billion earmarked for new initiatives.
“This is clearly a budget of consolidation. It is essential that we complete what has been started, rather than embarking on new, potentially wasteful ventures.”
He praised the FCT Minister, Minister of State and the FCTA team for their proactive approach and responsiveness to residents’ needs in infrastructure, security, and service delivery. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to its constitutional oversight role, guided by transparency, fairness, and the rule of law.