Minister of FCT Urges Officials to Tackle Filth and Transportation Woes

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating cleanliness and disorderly transportation system in the nation’s capital, Abuja. Wike issued a stern directive to senior officials of the administration to either improve their performance or consider seeking reassignment elsewhere.

In a no-nonsense approach, Wike specifically directed the director in charge of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to take immediate action to clean up the city, emphasizing that he would monitor progress closely and ensure accountability.

In a separate address, Wike turned his attention to the troubling state of transportation within the city. He candidly stated that “wahala don come” (trouble has come), highlighting his disappointment with the existing issues. Addressing top officials of the secretariat, he underscored the need for drastic improvement.

Wike’s calls for action came during a recent address in Abuja while receiving transition notes from the outgoing Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola.

Wike asserted, “I will ensure that Abuja gets the best. You will see projects upon projects, and projects that will be completed and not abandoned. I am not a party to abandoned projects. I start a project when there is money, as such we will look into our finances before we begin any project.”

Emphasizing his commitment to executing President Bola Tinubu’s vision, Wike stated, “I believe in the renewed hope of President Bola Tinubu, and Nigerians will see the difference in no distant time.”

With an urgency to demonstrate immediate progress, Wike outlined the importance of quick deliverables to show the public the government’s determination to improve the region’s conditions. Highlighting issues like malfunctioning street lights and sanitation, he remarked, “We must fix it within the shortest possible time.”

Wike’s dedication to improving the situation was evident as he warned officials in charge of street lights and sanitation to be prepared for intense pressure and scrutiny. He quipped, “You must be ready to work hard. I must make sure I give you BP (high blood pressure), so you must work hard. You can’t be sleeping when the environment is dirty.”

The Minister’s no-nonsense approach also extended to the transportation sector, where he firmly stated, “If you don’t have the capacity, let us replace you now. In this job, people will not like you, but in the end, if you do it well, you will be appreciated. Things are tough, yes, but we cannot live in a lawless society because things are tough.”

Wike’s efforts were echoed by Minister of State in the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who expressed her belief that the positive changes Wike brought to Rivers State could be replicated in the FCT with collective effort and support.

The Permanent Secretary, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Shehu Hadi, also extended gratitude to Wike and Mahmoud for their commitment to serving and revitalizing the FCT.

As the FCT administration takes decisive steps towards enhancing cleanliness and transportation, the city’s residents await the tangible outcomes of these initiatives.