The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to remain patient amid the rising cost of goods, assuring them that ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration will yield visible and impactful changes before the end of its first term in 2027.
Speaking during an inspection of road and bridge projects in the Gwagwalada Area Council on Thursday, Wike highlighted the importance of infrastructure in stabilizing the economy and reducing the cost of living.
He remarked: “If you say people have not seen anything, so these people who are jubilating here, are they not part of the people? I understand the impatience, but take for instance the price of goods. Without roads, why wouldn’t the price of goods remain high? Once these roads are completed and farmers can transport their produce, costs will reduce.”
Wike underscored the administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at transforming both urban and rural areas for inclusive development.
He noted: “Infrastructure is basic to turning around any economy. That is part of the problems we have had in Abuja, and we are working to create more infrastructure to open up not just the city but also rural areas, so the economy will thrive.”
On criticisms of the government’s performance, Wike stressed that visible results would counter skepticism. “Criticisms must always be there, but you cannot react to everything. Let the people see for themselves. By the end of this administration’s first tenure, Nigerians will say, indeed, things have changed. Just like you can say Abuja has changed,” he said.
Wike cited the construction of the Aguma Palace Road and the road leading to Radio Nigeria as examples of impactful projects bringing relief and joy to residents.
“You can see the residents trooping out. Nobody who sees good things will fail to appreciate them. People are complaining because they’ve never felt the government’s impact before. Now, they can see that indeed, a government is working to change their lives positively,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed his determination to accelerate development in the FCT, ensuring that both urban centers and satellite towns benefit equally from government interventions.
