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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has urged residents of the territory to use the 2027 general elections to elect leaders capable of sustaining and expanding ongoing infrastructure development in Abuja and other parts of the FCT.
Wike made the call in his Independence Day message to FCT residents on Thursday, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.
While congratulating residents, the minister said the FCT Administration remained focused on transforming Abuja into a world-class capital through modern infrastructure and improved public services.
He described the FCT as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity, noting that Abuja brings together people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds who live and work in the capital.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Wike said the country’s founding fathers established the foundation for a sovereign nation based on freedom, unity and progress, adding that the country’s resilience remained important to its continued development.
“Sixty-six years ago, our founding fathers laid the foundation for a sovereign nation built on the ideals of freedom, unity, and progress. Today, we look back at our journey with pride, acknowledging our resilience as a people and reaffirming our commitment to the growth and prosperity of our beloved country,” he said.
The minister said the FCT Administration had invested in critical infrastructure, including roads and public transportation, to extend development beyond Abuja’s city centre to communities across the territory.
According to him, the administration had significantly improved the FCT road network, including routes connecting the city centre with rural communities, with several roads fitted with drainage systems and solar-powered streetlights.
He said the projects were also intended to improve accessibility and address security concerns in communities located farther from the city centre.
Wike also disclosed that ultramodern bus terminals had been constructed in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, with similar facilities planned for Kuje, Bwari and Gwagwalada.
He said the expansion of public transportation infrastructure was aimed at providing residents with safer and more efficient transport services.
The minister added that the administration was expanding access to healthcare and education across the six area councils, stressing that a healthy and educated population was essential to sustainable development.
On security, Wike said the FCT Administration was working with security agencies to maintain safety across the territory. He said surveillance had been strengthened, while community policing and technology were being deployed to tackle crime.
Wike urged residents to consider the 2027 elections as an opportunity to elect progressive and visionary leaders who, in his view, would sustain and expand the infrastructure projects in the FCT.
He said such leaders should have the vision and capacity to deliver further development and improve prosperity for residents.
“My dear residents, as the nation prepares for the forthcoming general elections in January 2027, I enjoin you all to see it as an opportunity to vote in progressive, visionary leaders that will sustain and expand the infrastructural revolution that has commenced in the FCT, leaders who have vision and capacity to bring more development and prosperity to the people,” he said.
Wike also urged residents to obey the law, protect public infrastructure from vandalism and maintain peaceful coexistence across the territory.
He called for tolerance and unity among Nigerians living in the capital, expressing confidence that collective efforts could help build an FCT that would serve as a symbol of hope and prosperity.
“Together, we will build an FCT that we can all be proud of – a beacon of hope and prosperity for the entire African continent,” he said.
The minister thanked residents for their support and partnership with the FCT Administration and prayed for continued peace and prosperity in the territory and across Nigeria.
