Residents Applaud FCT Ministers’ Two Years of Revenue Growth and Infrastructure Transformation

By Iyojo Ameh

The Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike—widely called “Mr. Project”—and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the FCT, have clocked two years in office, leaving behind undeniable footprints of impact.

From reforms in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to landmark infrastructure projects, their administration has transformed Abuja’s outlook compared to what it was before their assumption of office on August 21, 2023.

Guided by the vision of Abuja’s founding fathers and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the ministers have pursued an ambitious programme to reposition the capital city. Their tenure has been marked by sweeping reforms in governance, accountability, service delivery, and infrastructure development.

One of the standout achievements is in revenue generation. Through the ₦39 billion Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre—rehabilitated under their watch—the FCTA generated over ₦650 million in just three weeks, far surpassing the previous annual IGR of ₦50 million from the facility. Projections suggest the centre could generate over ₦11 billion annually.

Wike’s land reform initiative, which required residents to obtain Certificates of Occupancy or risk revocation, as well as strict enforcement of ground rent payments, also boosted IGR. Additionally, ₦240 million was allocated to the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) for modern tools and Microsoft 365 licenses to enhance efficiency.

“As at the time I came, we were generating about ₦9bn to ₦10bn. Today, by the grace of God, we are not generating less than ₦25bn a month,” Minister Wike disclosed.

Their infrastructural strides have been nationally recognized. Vice President Kashim Shettima once described Wike as “an antibiotic curing the underdevelopment of Abuja.” Residents across the city confirm Abuja now wears a fresh look.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), chaired in the FCT by Comrade Grace Ike, and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, have both applauded the ministers for their visible impact.

From Nyanya to Gwagwalada and Kwali, residents including HRH Luka Ayedoo Nizazzo III, the Etsu of Kwali, praised the administration for making governance felt at the grassroots. A corps member, Miss Olubunmi Oseh, equally commended Dr. Mariya Mahmoud for her humility and teamwork with Wike.

Projects under their leadership include the construction and commissioning of major arterial and community roads:

Arterial Road N16 (Maitama–Katampe)

N5 (Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III)

Inner Northern Expressway carriageway

Outer Southern Expressway (near Wasa)

The 25km Kwali–Yebo road

Numerous township and rural roads across Kuje, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Abaji Area Councils.

In their first year alone, the ministers resurfaced over 189 roads across Garki, Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse. These interventions have eased traffic congestion and improved connectivity, notably on the Outer Southern Expressway, Wuye/Wuse Interchange, and the Gwagwalada–Kwali dual carriageway.

Transportation has also received a boost with completed access roads to rail stations, rehabilitation of the Abuja Light Rail, and commissioning of Kugbo and Mabushi bus terminals, creating over 3,000 jobs.

Beyond roads, city beautification initiatives—such as the demolition of shanties and illegal structures, improved street lighting, and landscaping—have reshaped Abuja’s aesthetics. Wike also procured 80 vehicles for youth empowerment and, with new CNG and private buses, improved public transport.

As they enter their third year, the ministers have flagged off a rural water project in Karu to address potable water shortages in Bwari, Jikoyi, Kurudu, Kuje, and nearby communities, reinforcing their commitment to inclusive development.