The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured Abuja residents of continued progress and reforms in 2025, emphasizing his administration's commitment to infrastructure, security, and economic development.
In a New Year message on Wednesday, Wike expressed gratitude to residents for their support throughout 2024 and acknowledged the successes achieved during the year, despite facing criticism over community demolitions and land reallocations.
Key Achievements in 2024
Wike highlighted significant accomplishments from the past year, including:
- Infrastructure Development: Construction of new urban and rural roads, improving connectivity and fostering economic activities in rural areas.
- Education Enhancements: Renovation of schools to create better learning environments for students.
- Security Improvements: Provision of over 100 vehicles to security agencies and implementation of innovative strategies that enhanced safety across the FCT.
- Youth Development: Establishment of the Mandate Secretariat for Youth Development to promote efficiency and responsiveness in governance.
- Economic Growth: Creation of an enabling environment for investments, driving visible economic progress, particularly in rural areas.
Vision for 2025
The minister outlined his administration's goals for the new year, pledging to build on 2024’s successes. Priorities include:
- Expanding infrastructure projects to boost economic growth and living standards.
- Enhancing healthcare, education, and agricultural sectors for better access to essential services.
- Tackling public transportation challenges through private sector collaboration to improve mobility.
- Introducing youth employment programs to harness the energy and creativity of the youth.
- Strengthening the FCT’s tourism potential and maintaining security advancements.
Call for Civic Responsibility
Wike urged residents to support development efforts by meeting civic obligations such as tax and levy payments, which are critical for funding ongoing and future projects.
He also called for collective support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing unity and cooperation as key to achieving a thriving and prosperous Federal Capital Territory.
A Message of Optimism
“Together, let us embrace 2025 with hope and determination,” Wike concluded. “May this year bring us closer to realizing our collective vision for an FCT that reflects the highest ideals of progress and unity.”
Residents of the FCT have welcomed the minister’s message with mixed reactions, expressing optimism about the outlined reforms while calling for inclusive policies that cater to all communities.
