President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying only those who are opposed to him would fail to acknowledge the transformation taking place in Abuja under his leadership.
Akpabio said Wike had delivered remarkable results as Minister of the FCT, adding that it was difficult to decide whether his performance in Abuja had surpassed what he achieved during his eight years as Governor of Rivers State.
The Senate President made the remarks on Thursday while representing President Bola Tinubu at the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16–Ring Road III Interchange, a major road project linking the Jahi and Gwarimpa districts of the Federal Capital Territory.
The newly completed interchange is one of several infrastructure projects scheduled for inauguration as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
Speaking at the event, Akpabio described Wike as a “performing minister” and a “game changer” whose efforts had changed the face of the nation’s capital.
“The Honourable Minister of the FCT, the performing minister, the game changer, Mr Deliver, we are very proud of you. The country is proud of you,” Akpabio said.
“Only your enemies will not see what you are doing. No matter how you work, they will not see.”
He said Wike had established a strong record of performance as governor of Rivers State and had continued in the same manner since assuming office as FCT Minister.
According to Akpabio, Wike carried out what he described as “miracles” during his time as governor and is now repeating similar achievements in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Nyesom Wike, as Governor of Rivers State, you did a lot of miracles for the state and now, as Minister of the FCT, I don’t know how to compare whether you are better as governor of Rivers State or as Minister of the FCT,” he said.
The Senate President also commended Wike for introducing administrative reforms in the FCT, saying the territory’s public service had witnessed significant improvements under his leadership.
He noted that for the first time, the FCT administration now has Permanent Secretaries and a Head of Service, describing the reforms as major achievements that have improved career opportunities for civil servants.
“Let me say that God will continue to guide you. You have turned the FCT around, even in terms of administration. The FCT is no longer the same,” Akpabio stated.
“Today, you have Permanent Secretaries in the FCT that previous administrations never had. Today, you have a Head of Service of the Government of the FCT that previous administrations never had.
“Today, FCT staff know that they will not retire only as directors, all because of your cooperation with President Tinubu.”
The commissioning of the interchange marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in the nation’s capital.
The Arterial Road N16–Ring Road III Interchange is expected to ease traffic congestion between Jahi, Gwarimpa and neighbouring districts while improving connectivity across Abuja. Residents and motorists have long complained about traffic delays in the area, making the completion of the project a significant boost to transportation within the city.
Since his appointment as FCT Minister in August 2023, Wike has embarked on an aggressive programme of road construction, rehabilitation of public infrastructure and reforms within the FCT Administration.
Several major roads, bridges and public facilities have either been completed or revived under the administration. The minister has repeatedly stated that his goal is to improve infrastructure, restore public confidence in governance and make Abuja one of the best-managed capital cities in Africa.
His administration has also focused on improving sanitation, restoring abandoned projects, expanding access roads to satellite towns and strengthening the FCT civil service through institutional reforms.
However, Wike’s tenure has also generated political debate. While supporters commend his speed in delivering infrastructure projects, critics have questioned some of his policy decisions, including the demolition of structures considered illegal and the revocation of land titles over alleged non-compliance with statutory requirements.
Despite the criticisms, the Federal Government has continued to praise the minister’s performance, citing visible improvements in road infrastructure, urban development and public administration.
The Tinubu administration has made infrastructure development one of its major priorities, arguing that improved roads, bridges and public facilities are essential for economic growth, investment and better living conditions.
As part of activities marking the President’s third year in office, several completed projects are being commissioned across different parts of the country to showcase the administration’s achievements in transportation, housing, healthcare, education and other sectors.
At the event, Akpabio reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining infrastructure development and improving public service delivery in the Federal Capital Territory.
He expressed confidence that with continued cooperation between President Tinubu and the FCT Minister, Abuja would witness even greater transformation in the coming years.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, who applauded the completion of the project and expressed hope that more infrastructure would be delivered to meet the needs of the growing population of the Federal Capital Territory.