The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has underlined the importance of strong institutional support in delivering meaningful public infrastructure, especially in rural areas often neglected by development efforts.
Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of the newly constructed A2 to Pai Road in Abuja, Wike said leadership roles become ineffective without necessary backing.
“You see, you can give somebody an appointment and he does not have support. The person cannot do anything. But when you have given someone an appointment and you give them that support to actualise his job, there’s always happiness,” he said.
Wike criticised the narrow focus on urban development and commended the expansion of road networks into rural communities.
“People will not think every time we are in the city, what is happening in the rural areas. We’ve been able to open most of the road. If you came here, you will wonder, I was even crying, how do police enter here? How do security men enter here? It would not be possible.”
Highlighting the potential for agricultural development along the newly accessible land, the minister linked infrastructure to national food security goals.
“And look at the vast area of land. We are talking about food security, food security. With this, those of you who want to be farmers, real farmers, we are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmland so that we come out of the food problem, which the federal government is trying to solve.”
However, Wike warned against speculative land hoarding under the guise of farming.
“But real farmers, not political farmers who keep the land as speculators. And then when they know that much development has come, they start going to sell the land.”
The minister expressed satisfaction with the public response and the support his office has received in executing projects.
“We’re happy with the kind of support you’ve given to us to achieve all this result. And for us, we are very, very happy. You can imagine the people are happy. When people are happy, you’ll be happy. But when people are angry, you will not be happy. I’m sure as you’re leaving today, you’ll be very, very happy. Even when you get to the villa, you’ll be very, very happy.”
The A2 to Pai Road is expected to significantly improve access, mobility, and security in rural parts of the FCT, while laying the groundwork for agricultural revitalisation.
