The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience amidst rising prices of goods, assuring them that the ongoing reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration will yield visible results before the end of its first tenure in 2027.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday while inspecting road and bridge projects in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
Addressing journalists during the inspection, he responded to concerns about the economic challenges and the perceived lack of progress:
“If you say that people have said that they have not seen anything, so these people who are jubilating here, are they not part of the people? I have always said that when something is bad, and I know because of our impatience, I agree, we expect a miracle to just happen. Now, take for example, the price of goods is still surging. Now, look at this road. If there was no road, why would the price of goods not go high? By the time these roads are completed and the farmers are now going to farm, it will reduce.
“So these are part of the strategies. Infrastructure is basic to turning around any economy in any part of the world. If they don’t have basic infrastructure, too bad. That is part of the problems we have had in Abuja here, and we are trying to make sure that we create more infrastructure to open up, not just the city, also the rural areas, so that the economy will thrive. So that is what I can say.”
Commitment to Infrastructure Development
Wike emphasised the role of infrastructure in economic transformation, noting that better roads would improve access for farmers and reduce the cost of goods. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to balance development across both urban and rural areas under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“You can’t talk about governance or impact of government without touching all areas, be it in the city, be it in the satellite town, which we may refer to as the rural areas. As such, it is the responsibility of every government, and you know under the Renewed Hope agenda, this is the promise Mr. President has made, to rekindle the hope of everybody.
“Yes, things were bad yesterday, but we are trying to improve to make sure that things will not be bad today or be worse tomorrow. The Aguma Palace road and the road leading to Radio Nigeria and the rest of it, you can see the joy of the residents and those who carry out their business activities,” he said.
Visible Impact on Communities
Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of the projects and the positive reception from local residents. He stressed the importance of visible government impact in fostering confidence and trust among citizens.
“So when there is a positive impact, the people will always rejoice and say that yes, we are feeling the presence of government. If you were here the day we flagged off this road, in fact, the last time I came, there was a culvert that was going on then. But as I was coming, you wouldn’t even notice it again. And I was really asking the company whether this could be achieved. Indeed, it has been achieved.
“You can see how the residents have trooped out. Nobody who sees good things will not appreciate it, and you see that people are complaining because they have never had any impact of government. They don’t even know what they are talking about, the government. But now, they can feel, they can see that indeed, there is a government that is working for them to change their lives in a positive way,” Wike added.
Addressing Criticisms
Acknowledging the criticisms directed at the government, Wike maintained that results would speak for themselves as projects are completed.
“Criticisms must always be there, and you cannot run away from it. But it is not everything that you have to react. Let the people see for themselves. But I can tell you, before this administration ends this first tenure, you will see that Nigerians will also say, indeed, things have really changed. Just like you can say that Abuja has changed.”
The FCT Minister’s remarks underline the administration’s resolve to drive development through infrastructure projects while addressing the economic challenges Nigerians face.
