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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for improving the financial situation of states and the FCT, describing his leadership as bold, visionary, and unprecedented.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, during the flag-off of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) main carriageways from Ring Road I to Ring Road II in Abuja, Wike said the country’s financial turnaround was a result of Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy — a move that previous governments had avoided.
“Today, the leadership of the President has made it possible for all the states and the FCT not to be running to banks again,” Wike said. “Every state now has money, not only to pay salaries and carry out other governance activities, but also to embark on projects.”
He said many states can now meet their financial obligations without debts. “Now, no governor will talk about leaving debts for your successor, unlike what used to happen before. That is leadership,” he added.
Wike also mocked some of his former critics who are now members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). “All of them now are in APC. So, if it is true, they should commend me for working for where they are heading to. I should be commended for doing a good job for them,” he said.
Speaking on the new OSEX project, Wike said it fulfills a promise made during the commissioning of the left-hand service carriageway. He explained that the road’s expansion will ease traffic congestion and improve the movement of residents in Abuja.
He also announced that the FCT Administration had approved funding for infrastructure at the new Wasa market site, where traders from Apo will be relocated. “Every promise made by this administration under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. President, will be fulfilled,” he assured.
Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the new road project will ease traffic and enhance the quality of life for residents. She thanked President Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda and commended Wike for his commitment to Abuja’s development.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the OSEX will cover 67 kilometres from the Villa Roundabout in Asokoro through Apo, Wasa, and Kuje to Gwagwalada.
He added that the newly flagged-off section — from Ring Road I to Ring Road II — is expected to be completed within one year. The Managing Director of CGC Nigeria Limited, Zhong Xiang, promised timely delivery and said the project would create about 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Wike hails Tinubu for improving state finances, flags off major Abuja road project
