President Bola Tinubu has explained that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, asked him to remove the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to expedite development and enhance resident participation in governance.
Tinubu said the bureaucracy associated with the TSA was hampering infrastructure growth in the capital city and had to be reviewed for impact and progress.
The president said this while receiving FCT residents, led by Wike, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for Sallah homage on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
He highlighted that freeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has swiftly catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.
Tinubu said: “I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more. I said show me what you are about to do, and he presented his thinking and belief.
“And everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence that was abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for school children, and provided furniture.”
President Tinubu thanked Wike for proving that liberation from the bureaucracy was necessary and for restructuring the FCT public service so that civil servants could aspire to higher positions and provide leadership.
“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not because of the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu urged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious colourations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.
Presidency: Atiku can’t be trusted, he’s has proven to be a liar — Wike’s aide
The president added: “Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.
“We are not looking for magic. We are looking for results. We are looking for comfort. We are praying for good health. We are looking for someone who cares.
“The job is not just about Wike or me, but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof.”
On his part, the FCT minister thanked Tinubu for hosting the residents in the State House.
Wike pledged his loyalty to the president and committed himself to developing the nation’s capital, assuring that the FCT would soon complete many projects.
“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, attended the ceremony.
The FCT delegation included members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs, and women and youth groups.
- Police rescue 2 abducted varsity students, nab one suspect - April 2, 2025
- Popular actor Val Kilmer dies at 65 - April 2, 2025
- U.S. senator breaks record with 25-hour speech against Trump’s policies - April 2, 2025
