Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen on Monday, July 1, said the success recorded by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has Justified President Bola Tinubu’s appointment.
The minister’s achievements, Tajudeen said, have set a new standard for urban development in Nigeria.
The speaker spoke at the official flag-off ceremony of the construction of the Mabushi Bus Terminal held in Abuja.
He said proactive planning is needed to maintain Abuja’s status, adding that the government must anticipate and prepare for the growth to ensure that the city can efficiently accommodate its residents’ needs.
Tajudeen said he is confident that the FCT minister will achieve even greater milestones in the coming months and years.
He said Wike’s unwavering commitment and results-oriented focus should inspire and serve as a role model for other political officeholders.
The speaker said: “This event underscores the remarkable synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government, reflecting our unwavering commitment to delivering good governance, enhancing infrastructure, and stimulating economic growth for the benefit of residents of the FCT and Nigerians wherever they reside.
“The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is strategically important as the capital city of Nigeria, and we must equip it with modern infrastructure to support its key role. This includes developing robust road networks, fostering economic mobility, and providing essential social infrastructure and amenities. Abuja’s population is rapidly expanding, and we must anticipate and prepare for this growth to ensure that the city can efficiently accommodate its residents’ needs.
“Proactive planning and investment in infrastructure are essential to maintaining the city’s status as a thriving hub of activity and development. Road networks and functional bus terminals are the lifeblood of modern cities. They facilitate the seamless movement of people, goods, and services, thereby fostering economic interaction and growth.
“The construction of the Mabushi Bus Terminal is a critical step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure in the FCT and ensuring that residents can commute safely and efficiently. This project will not only improve accessibility but also contribute significantly to the overall economic vitality of Abuja.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the exemplary leadership and vision of the Minister of the FCT, Hon. Nyesom Wike. In a remarkably short period, he has spearheaded the transformation of Abuja, completing numerous strategic road and infrastructure projects with remarkable speed and efficiency. His dedication and commitment have made Abuja a more modern and dynamic city, often leaving even long-term residents pleasantly surprised by the rapid developments.
“I am particularly impressed by the Minister’s holistic approach to development, which extends beyond the nucleus of the city to encompass the Area Councils. This inclusive strategy promotes balanced growth and development and ensures that the infrastructure and economic advancements reach all communities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The approach also underscores the importance of equitable development in building a truly modern and thriving capital.
“Overall, the successes recorded by the Minister justify the wise decision of the President, His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to entrust Wike with this vital portfolio. The Minister’s achievements have set a new standard for urban development in Nigeria, and his efforts deserve our highest praise.
“Honourable Minister, as we continue preparing Abuja to compete with the world’s leading cities, I wish to offer some recommendations for sustaining this momentum. The first relates to integrating advanced technology in urban planning and management is crucial. Smart city initiatives can enhance the efficiency of services and improve the quality of life for residents. Furthermore, expanding public-private partnerships would attract investment and expertise, driving further infrastructure development”.
The National Assembly, Tajudeen said, is ready to support the Minister by enacting favourable legislation, ensuring adequate funding, and providing oversight to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.
The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike expressed displeasure over the lack of a bus terminal in the nation’s capital.
The decision to build a bus terminal, Wike said, will help solve the issue of insecurity and boost the economy.
The minister assured that the construction of the bus terminal will be part of projects that President Bola Tinubu would commission in 2025.
Wike said: “This is supposed to be one of the best cities in the world. This is supposed to be a first-class city but how can it be one of the best cities in the world when the infrastructures that make that kind of city are not available? It will be difficult. A first-class cannot be actualized when the infrastructures are not present.
“A city like Abuja does not have a Bus and Taxi terminal. You will see taxis all over the place and that of course, is part of our insecurity problems. So many people talk about one chance, why won’t there be one chance when you don’t even know the man whose bus or taxi you are entering?
“So, under the Renewed Hope Agenda and in order to reduce the level of insecurity, we made a proposal and we said part of the problems we are having is because we don’t know who are these people who are plying these buses and taxis, and where they load from.
“We said what gives comfort to our people? And so we decided we must start with three bus terminals. One each in the Central Business District, Mabushi, and Kugbo. But unfortunately, we had a problem in the Central Business District location because there was a distortion of the Abuja Master Plan. The land which was earmarked for the Bus terminal and where the trains would pass through had been allocated out and C of O had been given out.
“So when we went there to start this flag off which was last week Tuesday after the Executive Council meeting, I had a text that I had taken somebody’s land and I was surprised. So when I enquired, we found out that the location’s C of O had been signed, even a Consent judgment between FCT and people. The point I’m trying to make is that leadership is all about making decisions and in making decisions everybody will not be happy but what is important is that the decision has been taken. In fact, in that text that was sent to me, the person said “After his sacrifices and inputs to the party, is this what he will suffer?
“When you want to make a decision, so many people will be angry and you are complaining, they won’t come up with sincere facts. I believe this is part of the second anniversary of Mr. President in May, 2025.”
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