We’ll Fix Abuja Step By Step, Not Overnight — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said his administration is committed to addressing every challenge affecting residents of Abuja, from city planning and tourism to education and taxation.

He said the issues would be addressed gradually.

Speaking during a media chat with journalists in Abuja on Friday, Wike emphasised that governance must be guided by policy, order, and adherence to the Abuja Master Plan, not sentiment or pressure.

He said, “Every issue is important, but we have to take them one by one. You can’t expect the government to solve everything overnight. We are moving step by step — from infrastructure to education, from healthcare to tourism. People just need to be patient.”

On the controversial demolition of some business structures, particularly those operated by women who claimed their shops were unjustly taken down, Wike dismissed suggestions that the FCT Administration was targeting anyone unfairly.

“The issue is not whether they are women or men. That’s not the policy of the government. The policy says: follow the rules. Some of these people don’t have a valid title or certificate of occupancy, yet they go to the media to cry foul. You can’t pay ground rent for land that isn’t yours. Let’s stop attaching sentiment to illegality,” he said.

He revealed that several demolitions were carried out on structures sitting under high-tension power lines and other restricted zones.

“I went there myself and called the Inspector-General of Police,” he recounted, adding, “Some properties had to go down. You can’t build on land that the government has revoked since 2018 and claim ownership. Even if it belonged to a former Chief of Air Staff, the law must take its course.”

Wike also spoke about the need to maintain ecological balance across green areas in the city, saying the government would not condone illegal conversion of parks and open spaces into business or residential use.

The minister said, “We have taken back those places in line with our new policy. People should stop misinforming the public. Whether you are powerful or not, once you break the rule, we’ll act. That’s how we’ll keep Abuja orderly.”

In the tourism sector, the minister said efforts were ongoing to rejuvenate key recreational and environmental sites, including the Jabi Lake and Bwari Water Area, which he described as potential tourist attractions.

“Yes, the water is dirty, and we’re working on it. But you can’t fix everything in one day. When we clean up that water, restore the green areas, and fix the traffic corridors, people will see the difference. It’s about patience and consistency,” he said.

Responding to concerns about multiple taxation by local councils and agencies, Wike reiterated that his administration had started harmonising levies to improve the ease of doing business in the FCT.

“You’re right — multiple taxation discourages business. We are working with the Area Councils to harmonise taxes so that every business knows exactly what to pay, to whom, and for what. That’s how to build a fair and predictable system,” he said.

He also gave updates on the Abuja University of Science and Technology in Abaji, saying the project was receiving attention and funding.

“If you go to Abaji today, you’ll see work going on. Roads are being created. It’s not easy, but we are determined to make sure the university takes off. The people there want it, and we will deliver it,” Wike assured.

On the recurring issue of stolen manhole covers across the city, the minister said replacement efforts were ongoing but lamented that vandals often remove newly fixed covers.

The minister said, “Today you replace them; tomorrow thieves remove them again to sell as scrap metal. We’re working with security agencies to stop that. But it’s a continuous process.”

Wike reiterated that his focus was on discipline, urban renewal, and the rule of law rather than popularity.

“People must understand that Abuja is not a place for lawlessness. We will enforce the master plan, but with fairness. The goal is to make the city safe, functional, and beautiful for everyone,” he added.