By Pius Awunah
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mr. Nyesom Wike has dismissed reports that the security situation in Abuja has deteriorated following reports of isolated breaches in parts of the city.
Speaking after an inspection tour of projects in Wuye and Kuje Areas in Abuja on Saturday,October 4,2025,the minister said isolated incidents should not be used as a basis to claim that Abuja was unsafe.
He said security agencies were managing the situation and that the city remained secure for residents and visitors.
Wike stressed that Abuja remains one of the safest cities in Nigeria.
“We did not say that when we came, it is the same thing as we are saying today.You will give us the credit and the security agencies, that we are doing quite a lot to make Abuja safe. And Abuja has been safe. If there is one safe city in this country, I think Abuja is,” he asserted.
The minister stated that initiatives like the “Light Up Abuja” project are instrumental in both beautifying and enhancing security through improved lighting infrastructure.
On the progress of the Airport Road to Kuje link, a vital artery expected to enhance connectivity between satellite towns and Abuja’s city centre, the minister expressed satisfaction with the construction led by contractors who have been commended for their handling of challenging terrain featuring rocky landscapes.
“If you come here now, you will give it to them, the contractors, Arab contractors, that they have done a good job. Particularly as it relates to the rocks. You can see how they have cleared the rocks and how beautiful the landscape is,” he said.
Wike noted that with continued government support, the project would be completed and commissioned within President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.
“By the time this road is commissioned, which is not less than 8 lanes, dual carriage, it will not take 15, 20 minutes. You would already be in the city centre. And that is what development is all about. That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about,” he stated.
Regarding Wuye District, Wike recalled that the district’s development contract was awarded in 2009, but significant progress only took off after his team assumed office in 2023.
“What we did first was to finish the interchange that helped to reduce the traffic congestion.
“Other contractors handling the development of Wuye District and infrastructure have finished that. They have promised that in the next 10 days, they would have finished the road,” he stated.
Wike applauded the scale of investment made for the district, describing it as reflective of the government’s commitment to infrastructural expansion.
On the challenge of indiscriminate refuse dumping, especially along Airport Road and Nyanya-Karshi areas, the minister acknowledged the problem and revealed steps were underway to address it.
“We are already removing all the refuse that have been dumped.I believe that in the next two weeks, the contract will be formally awarded for the refuse disposal.
“That will help us quite a lot,” he noted.
The minister criticised previous administrations that awarded contracts politically without competence, stressing that future contracts would be awarded only to capable firms with the right equipment.
In response to concerns from residents of satellite towns such as thebFederal Housing about terrible road conditions, Wike advised them to “continue fasting,” suggesting patience as the government works towards addressing infrastructure in those areas.
