‘You Give Results, Not Excuses’ — Tinubu Hails Wike

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday delivered his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor has justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the remarks during the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and associated road networks in Katampe District, Abuja.

“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track record. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President,” Tinubu said.

“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason.”

The endorsement came on the eighth day of the FCT Administration’s project commissioning exercise, which has showcased major infrastructure projects executed under the Tinubu administration.

The President described the newly completed road network as evidence of his administration’s commitment to delivering visible development and restoring public confidence in governance.

According to him, ongoing investments in road infrastructure and solar-powered street lighting are improving mobility, enhancing security and stimulating economic activities across the capital.

“We have installed solar street lights and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” he said.

Tinubu added that the project reflects the objectives of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda by translating policy commitments into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

In his remarks, Wike said the Katampe road project was initiated after authorities identified a major connectivity gap following the completion of adjoining road projects.

“Last year, when Mr President commissioned the Gishiri Road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.

The FCT minister noted that the project has already triggered increased private-sector investment and real estate development within the district.

“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” Wike said.

He argued that infrastructure remains one of the most effective drivers of economic growth, employment creation and urban development.

Wike also highlighted efforts to extend development beyond the city centre into satellite communities, citing recently completed road projects serving previously underserved areas.

“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said.

The minister disclosed that another major milestone would be recorded on Monday with the commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu aimed at improving access to potable water in satellite towns.

Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved living standards.

Earlier, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the project comprises a 3.9-kilometre road network equipped with underground drainage systems, water pipelines, sewer infrastructure, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered street lights, pedestrian walkways and landscaped green areas.

According to him, the road will improve connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and surrounding districts while opening new corridors for residential and commercial development.