LlThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep concern over the long-standing neglect of rural communities within the FCT, describing the living conditions of residents as troubling and unacceptable.
Wike spoke in Abuja on Thursday during a visit by the Management and Board of the Federal Capital Development Authority to his office, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister said he was saddened by the level of deprivation in several communities, noting that many residents still lack access to basic infrastructure such as roads and clean water.
He, however, assured that the current administration has made the development of rural areas a priority, stressing that efforts are underway to reverse decades of neglect.
Wike pointed to ongoing construction work in Tungan Madaki community along Airport Road as a clear indication of the new focus on rural development.
According to him, improved road infrastructure will significantly open up the area and enhance access to economic opportunities for residents.
He said it was unfair to concentrate development efforts only within the city centre while rural communities remain isolated and cut off from basic services.
Wike added that visiting some of the villages without motorable roads would give Nigerians a clearer picture of the daily struggles faced by residents in those areas.
The Minister commended the leadership of the FCDA, led by its Executive Secretary, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, for aligning the Authority’s programmes with the vision of the Tinubu administration.
While reflecting on the FCT’s Golden Jubilee, Wike said the main celebration would not hold in February but later in the year to coincide with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
He explained that this decision was taken to allow the President take centre stage during the anniversary, noting that the achievements recorded in the FCT were made possible through presidential support.
Wike also highlighted key reforms introduced under the Tinubu administration, including the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission.
He said the reform now allows FCT civil servants to attain the highest career positions, including the rank of Permanent Secretary.
The Minister further praised the decision to exempt the FCT from the Treasury Single Account, describing it as a major boost to the territory’s Internally Generated Revenue.
According to him, the move has enabled the FCT Administration to access bank funding and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure projects.
Earlier, FCDA Executive Secretary, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, thanked the Minister for what he described as unprecedented infrastructural development recorded over the past two and a half years.
Dauda said the scale of projects executed under Wike’s leadership stands out in the 50-year history of both the FCT and the FCDA.
