- Says I have land to ‘bury’ critics,
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
At the commissioning of the Apo to Wassa axis of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) II, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike spotlighted the critical role of ground rent revenue in funding Abuja’s rapid development, while also robustly defending the decision to rename the International Conference Center (ICC) after President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the internally generated revenue from ground rent is vital to the Federal Capital Territory’s ability to deliver infrastructure projects, especially given Abuja’s lack of oil revenue. He highlighted how the enforcement of ground rent payments has transformed stalled projects into completed landmarks.
“Those of us who are crying ‘Ground Rent this, Ground Rent that,’ see what Ground Rent has done — 15 kilometers of road opened up. I encourage you to drive down to Wassa Junction and see the difference,” Wike said, pointing to the newly completed expressway as a direct result of government funding fueled by ground rent collections.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) recently announced plans to reclaim nearly 5,000 properties due to long-term ground rent default, underscoring the administration’s commitment to ensuring compliance and boosting revenue for public services.
He also promised further infrastructure improvements, including the dualization of congested road sections and the relocation of mechanics, to enhance traffic flow and economic activity.
Addressing critics of the renaming of the ICC after President Tinubu, Wike dismissed claims of misplaced priorities and political bias.
“If you love this country, you cannot criticize the International Conference Center. Everything in that center was changed except the block work. Nigeria must show what makes it the giant of Africa,” he said.
He refuted arguments that the center should have been named after its original builder, citing examples such as Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and Moshood Abiola Stadium, which also bear names of prominent figures not directly involved in their construction.
“People say it was built with N240 million in 1991. Compare the exchange rate then and now. We want the best for the country, and the President has given the best,” he asserted.
He lashed out at detractors who, according to him, deliberately ignore the realities of development unfolding across the nation’s capital.
“If you want to die because we named the refurbished International Conference Centre after Mr. President, go and die. I have land to bury you,” he said to rousing cheers from supporters.
He challenged detractors to acknowledge the progress made under the current administration rather than resort to baseless criticism.
“Why would you not commend somebody who has done well? You are not happy that they named it after Mr. President, go and kill yourself. I have done it and I have no regrets,” Wike declared emphatically.
The minister pledged unwavering support for President Tinubu, vowing to continue to defend his “boss.”
“If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had opportunity, it’s not our fault. You were there; they were hitting your boss left, right and center. You couldn’t defend your boss. I am here, I will defend my boss, and I have the capacity to defend my boss.”
At the event, Wike extensively praised the administration’s commitment to completing abandoned projects and underscored the positive role that Ground Rent revenue has played in accelerating infrastructure development in the FCT.
He recounted the history of the project, which was initially awarded in 2017 at ₦6 billion but saw a cost variation to ₦21 billion by 2021. He lamented that despite contractors being on site, payments were delayed, leading to stagnation. However, since the current administration took office in August 2023, there has been a clear policy to complete all projects, regardless of when they were awarded.
Addressing President Tinubu, who was represented by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, he said: “Your Excellency, this road was awarded in 2017 at ₦6 billion, but by 2021, the cost had varied to ₦21 billion. Contractors were on site, but money was not being paid. It is part of your policy to ensure every abandoned or unattended project is completed. This is not about who awarded the contract but about delivering for the people,” Wike said.
He praised the contractor’s ability to deliver the project within the stipulated time once funds were made available, emphasizing that this was made possible by the government’s financial backing.
“Money was made available, and to the glory of God, today we are commissioning this road,” he declared.
The minister highlighted the engineering feat involved in the project, including blasting through 500 meters of rock to open the road, a clear indication of the scale and ambition of the works.
“This is not an ordinary road. As the Executive Secretary of the FCDA said, 500 meters of rock was blasted to open this road. This is the beauty of this place,” Wike explained.
He stressed that the road does more than just ease traffic; it connects communities such as Takushera and Ketti Kabusa to the city center within 10 minutes, reducing the need for residents to live in the congested city.
“From Wassa, you can go to Takushera, then to Ketti Kabusa. These roads have opened up communities. You don’t need to live in the city anymore. This is what has been lacking,” he said.
He praised President Tinubu’s vision of not only developing Abuja’s core but also opening up its surrounding communities to foster economic growth and improve residents’ quality of life.
Speaking to the traders at Apo mechanic village, the main beneficiaries of the newly commissioned road, Wike said he expects them to reciprocate this gesture in future (apparently referring to the 2027 elections).
He said: “When the time comes, I will come back and say, you promised me if I give, you will give. Now, I am giving you. When the time comes, give me,” Wike challenged them.
Looking ahead, Wike promised to dualize the road segment near the mechanics’ area to eliminate traffic bottlenecks and assured that the long-promised relocation of mechanics would be personally supervised by him.
“We are going to dualize this road to finally kill traffic in this area. The mechanics have been promised relocation since 2011. Ours is not a promise; we are going to do it, and I will chair the relocation,” he affirmed.
Wike expressed gratitude to the National Assembly, particularly the Senate President and Speaker, for their special support to the FCT, which he said has never been so forthcoming.
“We have never had it easy like this. The National Assembly takes FCT matters seriously, and we thank them for the special love,” he said.
He also thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support, describing it as crucial to the administration’s success.
“Mr. President gave us the position to work with him and every support required to achieve. That is why we are not liked by many, but it’s not our fault. If you have a father who chooses to like you, why would he tell me he likes us? We will not disappoint him,” Wike concluded.