Minister Wike Laments Years of Neglect in FCT Rural Communities, Pledges Total Inclusion
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed profound concern over the prolonged period of infrastructural neglect experienced by rural communities across the nation’s capital. Speaking during an extensive project inspection tour on February 3 and 4, 2026, the Minister remarked that it was "unimaginable" that communities within the FCT remained isolated and underserved for so many years.
Wike, who visited several construction sites including the Gishiri, Tunga Madaki, and Apo-Wassa corridors, emphasized that the current administration is determined to bridge the gap between the city centre and the satellite towns. He noted that the lack of basic road infrastructure had historically hindered economic growth and security in these regions.
"A Promise Made, A Promise Fulfilled"
During his visit to a major road project stretching from Euclid Road to Tunga Madaki a seven-kilometre corridor the Minister revealed that the project was a direct response to the plight of local residents. According to Wike, the community had requested that compensation for their lands be accompanied by actual road connectivity to the city.
“You can imagine what these areas have suffered over the years,” Wike stated. “It is unimaginable. But we thank God that we now have the opportunity to open them up. They asked that if we were paying compensation, they should also be linked to the city. That is what we are doing today a promise made, a promise fulfilled.”
Expanding the Scope of Rural Integration
Beyond the immediate Tunga Madaki linkage, the Minister directed the FCT Administration (FCTA) to commence processes for extending the road network toward Zuba. This extension is designed to serve as a vital bypass and alternative route, facilitating the movement of goods and people from rural markets to the urban core.
The Minister highlighted several key projects currently under supervision:
The 7km Airport Road-Tunga Madaki Link: Featuring a four-span bridge and a large conference hall.
The Gishiri Village Road Network: Slated for inauguration during the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration in mid-2026.
The Apo-Wassa Axis: A critical hub designed to accommodate relocated traders from the informal sector.
Sustainable Governance Amidst Politics
Addressing concerns that the upcoming FCT Area Council Elections (scheduled for February 21, 2026) might slow down the pace of work, Wike assured residents that governance remains a priority over politics. He stressed that the primary duty of the government is to remain focused on welfare and service delivery.
“Politics is not going to affect my work. The only way it will affect work is to make people happy by ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real and working,” he asserted. He further warned contractors that the FCTA would maintain rigorous monitoring to prevent project abandonment or substandard delivery.
The Minister concluded that the ongoing transformation is more than a celebration of Abuja’s 50th Anniversary; it is a fundamental shift toward an inclusive metropolis where rural dwellers are no longer left behind.
