September 01, 2025
MONTHLY MEDIA PARLEY: FCT MINISTER SHEDS LIGHT ON ONGOING DEMOLITIONS IN ABUJA, PROMISES MORE PROJECTS
...Mourns Death of FCTA First Indigenous Head of Service
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has explained that the FCT Administration's ongoing demolition of shanties and illegal structures is aimed at bolstering security and restoring order within the nation's capital.
Speaking at his monthly media chat with journalists in Abuja on Monday, September 1, 2025, the Minister emphasized that the exercise is a critical component of the government's commitment to public safety and will continue until all criminal hideouts are cleared.
Barr. Wike stated that the demolished shanties serve as a hideout for criminals, including those involved in "one-chance" attacks and other security threats.
He dismissed claims that the occupants were poor, asserting that criminals often seek out such places to avoid identification. "We cannot joke with security," he said. "Shanties make it possible for criminals to settle and cause problems in the city. We are going to make sure that all illegal occupants anywhere are thrown out. Security is key."
He cautioned against using poverty as an excuse for criminal activity, stating, "There is poverty all over the world, but that does not give you room to make people uncomfortable, to kidnap and kill people. Let nobody use that as an excuse."
On government support for vulnerable individuals, the Minister highlighted that the FCT Administration has established markets for traders, but many choose to sell on the streets, leading to refuse dumping and defacing of the city. He noted that people often take advantage of government amenities without utilizing them properly.
Regarding the provision of shelter for the poor, the Minister described the idea as unsustainable, arguing that the FCT cannot shoulder the responsibility of providing housing for citizens who migrate from other states. "How can you sustain it? No government provides shelter for all its citizens," he said, adding that while the government is working to reduce the housing deficit, it cannot be expected to solve the problem entirely.
“People leave their states all over and come here and you tell me that I should carry the responsibility. What are you encouraging? … No government provides shelter for all its citizens. We must be realistic. The mere fact that we have a shortage of houses does not mean that we will fold our arms and allow criminals. Every government is doing its best to reduce housing deficit, but you cannot say you will take the entire responsibility of providing housing for the citizens,” he added.
The Minister also shed light on recent and upcoming project flag-offs in the FCT, announcing a focus on sports, including three new projects in Gwagwalada and Gwarimpa to encourage youth development. He assured that the administration's commitment to roads would continue, with a new road project scheduled for flag-off on Wednesday in Karu. He also announced the construction of a Magistrate Court to be flagged off tomorrow in Jabi.
On the health sector, Barr. Wike acknowledged the agitations of resident doctors but maintained that resources must be allocated across all sectors based on availability. He stated that the FCT's monthly wage bill for over 40,000 workers exceeds N12 billion and urged doctors to engage with the government rather than resorting to threats. He also called on FCT residents to pay their taxes to boost the administration's Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Speaking on the outcome of the recent local government elections in Rivers State, the Minister lamented false and misleading reports about voters’ apathy. He defended the elections, citing legal compliance, emergency rule provisions, and a Supreme Court ruling against caretaker committees. He commended the President for ensuring the elections were held, enabling councils to access funds from the federation account.
Barr. Wike dismissed criticisms from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, calling their positions "hypocritical" and born of "ignorance." He applauded the elections as one of the fairest in history, free of violence and ballot box snatching. While acknowledging the APC's victory in most Local Government Areas, he expressed satisfaction with the PDP's win in his local government, saying the results reflected the will of the people.
The Minister also stated that he was not interested in running for an elective position in 2027, noting his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was principled. He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s victory, dismissing projections by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that Tinubu would come third in the polls.
Speaking on the passing of the Head of FCTA Civil Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, Barr. Wike expressed his deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the indigenous people of Abuja. Describing her as "very hardworking," he revealed that her tenure had recently been extended by President Tinubu. She was the first indigenous Head of the FCTA Civil Service. The Minister noted he would have postponed the media chat had he known of her passing earlier.
Rabi Musa Umar
Assistant Director, Press
(Office of the Hon. Minister)
01/09/2025
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