The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described Abuja as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity and an engine of national growth.
Wike stated this in his Independence message in Abuja on Thursday, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence anniversary.
He said Abuja had demonstrated how strategic infrastructure investment and inclusive governance could bridge Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, religious and geographical divides.
The minister described the FCT as not merely the seat of government, but “the primary engine driving national cohesion and shared economic stability”.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66-year journey since independence, Wike said Abuja played an irreplaceable role in uniting the country’s multi-ethnic population.
“The FCT stands as the ultimate symbol of our national unity, a place where Nigerians from every tribe, tongue, and faith come together to live, work, and thrive in peace.
“Abuja is not just a city; it is the heartbeat of a diverse people bound by a common destiny.
“As Nigeria enters its 67th year of statehood, the FCT will continue to define its purpose: serving as a living blueprint of peace, progress, and unified strength for the entire nation,” he said.
Wike said the FCT Administration was positioning its ongoing transformation as a national benchmark for governance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said the efforts aligned with the 2026 Independence anniversary theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity”.
The minister said the FCT’s development strategy was also focused on bridging the rural-urban divide through expanded infrastructure and inclusive development.
“Recognising that sustainable national unity requires equitable development, the administration has aggressively expanded its infrastructural footprint beyond the central business district into far-flung rural communities.
“Also, comprehensive road overhauls – complete with integrated drainage and solar street lighting – have linked remote settlements to economic hubs.
“This is simultaneously dismantling geographical isolation and mitigating security vulnerabilities in outlying border zones,” he said.
Wike said ultramodern bus terminals had also been constructed and inaugurated within the Abuja Municipal Area Council to improve commuting and public safety.
He said plans were underway to replicate the facilities across Kuje, Bwari and Gwagwalada Area Councils.
On human capital development, the minister said the FCT Administration had invested in primary healthcare centres and basic educational facilities across all area councils.
“This is aimed at ensuring vulnerable populations are integrated into the territory’s growing economy.
“By equipping our schools and revitalising our primary health centres, we are securing a brighter, healthier, and more competitive future for our children, ensuring no resident is left behind,” he said.
The minister said the administration had also intensified security measures through enhanced community policing, surveillance and modern technology deployment.
Wike said the measures were aimed at safeguarding national assets and guaranteeing safe coexistence for residents and visitors across the territory.
Looking ahead to the January 2027 general elections, the minister urged residents to regard civic participation as a tool for consolidating the infrastructural gains achieved.
He also called on citizens to protect public property from vandalism and preserve Abuja’s orderly environment as a standard for the African continent.(NAN)
