From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has appealed to residents across the territory to take responsibility for protecting government-provided infrastructure in their communities.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday after an inspection tour of several project sites in Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Bwari Area Councils, the minister stressed the importance of community ownership in ensuring the longevity of development efforts.
Accompanied by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, the minister urged residents to guard against vandalism and destruction of facilities such as streetlights and other public utilities.
“First of all, the government has provided infrastructure to the areas to better the lives of residents; it is now for the residents to own it so that it will be sustainable. Let people not vandalise or destroy what has been provided. For example, we are providing streetlights, and the residents will need to secure these streetlights. The government cannot do everything,” Wike said.
He further called on the public to collaborate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities that could threaten the safety of these assets. “While we have security agencies, we can also help security agencies by providing useful information. It would be wrong if we came back here tomorrow and heard that one of the poles had been vandalised or the wires taken away. If we own this property, it will not happen; this is our community.”
Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered by contractors on the projects, saying, “In fact, I can attest that today I was very happy. You know, when we flagged off that project in Kwali, the section from A2 to Pai had been completed. And we flagged off the section from Pai to Gomani. Of course, there was no road for you to drive on. But thank God we were able to go there today.”
Highlighting the potential for agricultural development within the FCT, the minister remarked, “We shouldn’t be talking about food security in Nigeria. Look at the land and water available for irrigation to supply the farmers; it’s just leadership, and I believe with the leadership we have today under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you will see what is going to happen.”
On his part, Nwuche commended the minister’s dedication and the support from the presidency. “We should commend the minister for putting his heart into the job and commend the president for giving all the support that he requires for these wonderful feats achieved so far.”
Nwuche described the ongoing developments as transformative, noting the rapid progress in both urban and rural parts of the FCT. “We’ve been to Gwagwalada, from there to Kwali, and now we’re here. The level of work going on is incredible in under two years. I’m quite amazed. Abuja is becoming something else. It’s a world-class city, and the developments cover both the urban and rural areas.”
He also highlighted the agricultural potential in Kwali, pointing out the availability of farmland, water, and coal resources. “So, I think Abuja has come back to life. If we had been at this pace since 1999, Abuja would have been far beyond where it is today. I’ve seen many ministers come and go. But this is the one who has really made a great impact on the nation’s capital,” Nwuche concluded.