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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to ask Google to update its maps of Abuja, saying the capital city has changed significantly following the construction of new roads and infrastructure.
Akpabio made the remark on Tuesday during the commissioning of the N2 Transit Way from CBD Wuse in the FCT, where he commended Wike for the pace of infrastructure development under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to the Senate President, Abuja has undergone such an extensive transformation that digital navigation platforms no longer accurately reflect the city’s road network.
“May I also appreciate the decision of the minister to send a message, or write to Google, or send an email to Google, that Abuja is no longer the same,” Akpabio said.
“They should come back, remap, and replan, and ensure that people are not confused.”
Akpabio recounted a personal experience in which Google Maps allegedly failed to recognise a newly constructed road, causing confusion while travelling in the capital.
“Because what the man said is true. My driver attempted to use Google to go somewhere in Wuse, and Google said, ‘No, turn right, do not go there.’
“And at the time, Google shouted, ‘Don’t enter, there is no road.’ But unfortunately, we missed a project that is road,” he said.
The Senate President said the incident reflects the need for Google to update its mapping data to reflect the capital’s expanding road infrastructure.
Akpabio also praised Wike for fulfilling his pledge to commission projects over several weeks, saying he initially doubted the minister’s ability to deliver on the promise.
“When you said you were going to commission projects for 31 days, I did not understand where you get the projects from,” he said.
“But each time I go with you, I discover new things, either in the satellite cities, or in the interiors, or in the area councils.”
He said the scale of development justifies Wike’s appointment as FCT minister, adding that residents appreciate the infrastructure projects being delivered across the territory.
He also used the occasion to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, praising Wike’s political influence and describing him as “the man who knows road.”
