Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Wednesday praised President Bola Tinubu’s transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under Minister Nyesom Wike, declaring that even the visually impaired could “see” the remarkable infrastructural progress.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Arterial Road N20 Interchange Bridge (Wole Soyinka Way) over the Outer Northern Expressway in Abuja, Akpabio stated that Wike deserved daily celebration for his efforts, though the nation’s attention has been diverted by crises in other regions.
“Because of unrest in parts of the country, your administration in the FCT is not celebrated as it should be. You’ve invited the President for 17 days—not to flag off projects, but to commission completed ones. That’s rare. Even the blind can tell there are no potholes; the FCT has been transformed,” he said.
Akpabio, who represented President Tinubu at the event, read the president’s speech, which highlighted the interchange’s role in easing traffic, enhancing safety, and improving daily life for residents and commuters. He said it aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises robust infrastructure as essential to national development.
Earlier, Minister Wike challenged his predecessors—Senator Bala Mohammed and Malam Muhammad Musa Bello—to publicly declare if any project commissioned under his administration was previously completed by them. He criticised a rising trend in some states where past governors falsely claim current projects.
Wike explained that the project was awarded in 2020 but only gained momentum after Tinubu instructed him to complete all meaningful, abandoned projects.
“It’s not magic—just commitment and the right leadership. That’s what President Tinubu has provided. If any previous FCT Minister completed these roads or bridges, they should say so. Nobody will, because it’s not true. We’re not showcasing digital models; this is reality,” Wike said.
He added that the FCT’s progress was only possible because of strong support from the President and National Assembly.