Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has admitted that no administration, including that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, can solve all of Nigeria’s problems—even if it remains in office for the next 20 years.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Wike responded to concerns over unfinished or uncommissioned projects and broader development issues.
“I will not say here that every problem has been solved. All problems cannot be solved, even if this government stays for 20 years; no government can solve all problems,” he said.
He explained that rather than attempting to tackle every issue at once, the Tinubu administration is focusing on interventions that can improve people’s lives.
“But government is solving problems that at least will help improve people’s lives,” he added.
When asked why some completed projects had not been formally commissioned, Wike clarified that not every project requires a public ceremony.
“It’s not possible for us to commission every project. We take what we think are major, capital-intensive projects, ones where billions of naira have been spent, and showcase those. But when talking about smaller projects, must we commission everything?” he asked.
He urged the media to verify progress by touring project sites alongside officials from relevant agencies, especially in education and social development.
“We are not saying we’ve done everything. But we are doing what will at least make a difference in the people’s lives, and that’s the whole point of governance,” Wike said.
While reacting to criticisms that his administration focuses only on high-profile districts, Wike said the government had consulted stakeholders at the grassroots level, contrary to such claims.
“We engage stakeholders. I am not bothered that they said the provider of infrastructure is showcasing. Can you provide infrastructure without urban planning? People should appreciate this government,” he said.
He recalled visiting all six area councils in the FCT at the start of his tenure, holding meetings with youth, traditional leaders, and women’s groups.
“When we came on board, we visited the six area councils. We sat with the youths, traditional rulers, and the women. That was the first time stakeholders said, ‘This is our priority,’” he said.
According to Wike, those interactions led to the creation of separate secretariats for youth and women—initiatives that had not previously existed in the FCT.
“It was a result of engagement with Mr. President,” he added.
In response to critics questioning whether the government truly engages stakeholders, Wike challenged:
“What are people talking about? Non-engagement with stakeholders? Who are the stakeholders? There has been engagement, and stakeholders’ input drives the economy of any country.”
He noted that infrastructure and stable policies are essential to attracting investment:
“What brings investors? Will investors bring infrastructure and broadband? These are the primary things that investors will see and come and say, ‘I want to establish a private university, hospital, or an agricultural factory.’”
He brushed aside vague criticism, referencing a popular expression from his hometown:
“I will use one local thing we usually say in my place, my people say, ‘When you don’t have anything to say against somebody, you say, ‘See as him be.’”
He urged critics to be fair in their assessments of government performance:
“You must appreciate when a government has done well; you don’t need to like the person in charge.”
Wike also pointed out that the current administration inherited a backlog of unresolved issues and cannot be expected to fix them all overnight.
“This is a government that inherited so many issues. You expect someone to do something that hasn’t happened in 10 years since 1999 in two years? It can’t be done,” he argued.
Despite the hurdles, he maintained that the government is working with good intentions.
“There are challenges, but this administration is addressing them. We mean well for the people,” he said.
