Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the construction of roads and water projects in satellite towns and rural communities has significantly helped to reduce insecurity and improve access to farmlands across the territory.
Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja, Wike said his administration deliberately shifted attention to neglected rural communities after extensive consultations with traditional rulers, youths, women and other stakeholders who identified poor road infrastructure as a major factor fueling insecurity.
According to him, communities complained that security agencies often found it difficult to pursue criminals because many rural roads were impassable.
“What we did was to go to the rural areas and interact with the stakeholders the chiefs, the youths, the women and other leaders,” Wike said.
“What I found very interesting is that they know their terrain. They told us most of the roads were not passable at all and that even when attacks occurred, security operatives could not effectively respond because the roads were bad. So we took on the task and built the roads they themselves nominated.”
The minister said the intervention has yielded positive results, particularly in Kuje Area Council, where several road projects have been completed.
“Those roads have been built, and it really helps in terms of reducing insecurity and in terms of having access to their farmland,” he stated.
Wike stressed that unlike previous administrations that announced policies without implementation, the current FCT Administration was focused on delivering tangible results.
“Whatever policies we make, by the grace of God, we will implement them. That is how people are going to see the impact of governance, particularly in the rural areas,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu would commission several major projects in satellite towns as part of activities marking the administration’s anniversary.
Among the projects are water schemes in Kuje, Orozo, Gwagwalada and Dobi, which he said would improve access to potable water in underserved communities.
“We can’t concentrate only on the city. We must also move to the satellite towns and provide them with critical infrastructure,” Wike said.
He revealed that the water projects were executed by CGC and are ready for commissioning, adding that two area councils have already benefited from the intervention between 2025 and 2026.
The minister further listed several road projects completed or nearing completion across the territory, including the A2-Pai road, the Bwari-Kubwa corridor, roads in Dei-Dei, and sections of the A3 highway.
According to him, the Bwari-Kubwa road will be completed this year, while work is progressing on the Abuja airport corridor and the Zuba-Airport link road aimed at reducing traffic congestion within the city centre.
Wike also announced plans to review the Abuja Master Plan, saying discussions with the original Japanese designers have been scheduled for July.
“The world has changed. The world is different. You have to conform with current realities,” he said, noting that the administration was committed to ensuring development aligns with modern urban planning needs.
The minister urged residents and the media to embrace constructive engagements with government by drawing attention to areas requiring intervention rather than merely criticizing public policies.
“Government can’t do everything. If citizens call our attention to certain things and make useful suggestions, we can act on them. Constructive criticism is important,” he added.
Wike also disclosed that the FCT Administration is constructing additional hostel accommodation for students at the Nigerian Law School as part of efforts to improve educational infrastructure in the capital city.