Ime Akpan
Journalists under the aegis of the Network of Digital Newspaper Editors (NDNE) have applauded the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for what the “bold and transformational push” in the infrastructural development of the nation’s capital city.
The NDNE made the commendation in a statement by its spokesman, Mr Uche Nnadozie.
According to the release, the speed and scale of delivery of projects in the FCT “have dramatically altered the cityscape, with new infrastructure appearing in places where none existed just months ago.”
“In a period of one month, the FCT administration under Barrister Wike, alongside Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has commissioned 17 significant projects across Abuja, including major roads and bridges in the city centre, community access roads in satellite towns, and modern bus terminals. This pace of development is unprecedented in the territory,” the group said.
In a show of confidence, the NDNE said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu personally commissioned some of the projects, signaling strong federal backing for the Wike-led administration.
It cited one of the flagship facilities as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, which has been hailed as a standout symbol of Abuja’s rebranding and modernisation.
“Visitors to the FCT today would hardly recognize some areas if they last visited just a year ago. Roads, bridges, and terminals have sprung up seemingly overnight, reflecting a new urgency in public administration,” the NDNE added.
The Network also praised Wike’s strong work ethic and hands-on supervision, often inspecting project sites late at night or in the early hours of the morning to ensure contractors stay on schedule.
However, online editors’ body urged the FCT administration to back the physical infrastructure with operational efficiency — particularly in managing the new bus terminals.
It called for a safe and affordable mass transit system that eliminates the menace of “one chance” criminal operations and provides reliable public transportation for residents.
Besides, it commended the FCT administration for the resolution of the challenges facing the primary education sector, as teachers have returned to the classroom today (Wednesday) following the minister’s intervention.
“As watchdogs of governance, we commend the performance so far. The Wike-led team has demonstrated that government projects can be initiated and completed within months, unlike the norm where they linger for years or are abandoned, as seen in some projects nationwide,” the Network said.
With more projects expected in the coming months, the group expressed optimism that “Abuja is on its way to becoming a truly modern capital, comparable with others around the world.”
