The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold leadership and the improved financial state of Nigeria’s federating units. Speaking in Abuja during the flag-off of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) main carriageways project, Wike credited the President’s decision to remove fuel subsidy for giving states and the FCT more financial independence.
According to Wike, the subsidy removal has allowed many state governments to pay workers’ salaries, fund infrastructure projects, and operate without constant bank loans. “Today, every state now has money, not only to pay salaries but to carry out other governance activities and embark on projects,” Wike said. “No governor will now talk about leaving debts for his successor. That is true leadership.”
Wike also reacted to recent defections of governors from the opposition to the ruling APC, saying those who once criticized him for associating with the APC should now praise him. “All of them are in APC now,” he said with a laugh. “If it’s true I worked for APC back then, they should commend me for doing a good job for them.”
Speaking on the Outer Southern Expressway project, Wike noted that the dualization of the major Abuja road fulfills an earlier promise to ease traffic congestion in the area. He also announced that the FCT Administration had finalized costs for developing infrastructure at the Wasa relocation site for Apo traders, assuring residents that the Tinubu-led administration would deliver on all its commitments to the people.
The Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, praised the project as a major milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda, while Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, Executive Secretary of the FCDA, explained that the 67-kilometre OSEX would link Asokoro to Gwagwalada, enhancing traffic flow and regional development. The project, when completed, will provide a 10-lane expressway expected to drastically reduce travel time and open up southern parts of the FCT for growth.
