Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has raised concerns over mounting security and healthcare challenges in Nigeria’s capital city, calling for immediate national intervention.
Speaking during a Senate budget defence session on Wednesday, Wike stressed that the unique status of the FCT—as the seat of government and host to numerous diplomatic missions—demands a coordinated national approach to security.
“You cannot speak of autonomy in a city where the President, Inspector-General of Police, National Security Adviser, and key heads of national institutions reside,” he said. “The safety of the capital is a national concern, not one we can handle alone.”
Wike revealed that the FCT Administration is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to enhance security coordination. However, he pointed to ineffective surveillance infrastructure, citing political interference and bureaucratic obstacles as major impediments.
“It’s baffling that a city like Abuja still lacks effective CCTV coverage. Sometimes it’s due to internal politics or even deliberate sabotage. Approved projects are often stalled by vested interests,” he lamented.
On the question of FCT autonomy, Wike warned against simplistic interpretations, highlighting constitutional limitations that differentiate the capital from other Nigerian states.
“The FCT is structurally different. We don’t have a House of Assembly—our laws are passed by the National Assembly. This is by constitutional design,” he explained.
To address the complexity of the issues, the minister proposed a multi-sectoral summit involving key stakeholders in security, healthcare, and urban governance.
“These challenges can’t be addressed in silos. We need a coordinated and inclusive effort to move forward,” he said.
On the healthcare front, Wike announced recent strides made to improve medical services in the capital. He confirmed the procurement of modern MRI and CT scan machines, expected to be installed at key health facilities across the territory.
“We finalized the procurement process as of Tuesday. These machines will greatly enhance diagnostic capabilities and access to quality healthcare,” Wike noted.
The minister reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to tackling infrastructure gaps across sectors and ensuring that Abuja remains a secure and functional capital city.
