Wike urges residents to protect infrastructure, support government efforts

…says roads key to food security, development

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on residents to take ownership of public infrastructure in their communities and support government efforts by safeguarding these facilities for sustainability.

Wike gave the charge yesterday while inspecting key road projects in Gwagwalada, Kwali, and adjoining communities lined up for commissioning as parts of activities to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

The Minister was accompanied by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche.

Wike noted that despite the government’s efforts in installing critical infrastructure such as street lights, it is the responsibility of the people to ensure that these facilities are maintained.

He urged residents to partner with security agencies by providing useful information that can help protect public assets.

“The government has provided the infrastructural area by the residents. It is for residents to own it so that it will have sustainability.

“Let people not vandalize or destroy what has been provided. For example, we are providing street lights, and the residents will need to see that they also secure this street light. Government cannot do everything.

“While we have security agencies, we can also help security agencies by providing useful information. It would be wrong that we will come back here tomorrow, and you hear that one of the poles has been vandalized. Also, the wires have been taken away.

“If we own this property, it will not happen. This is our community. So our prayer is that for them to enjoy it and for the government to think that yes, they deserve it, they should also play their own role by making sure they protect this infrastructure.

“The government has done their own, and the government has provided them to make life meaningful. They should also help the government by making sure that they protect what has been provided.” He said.

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Speaking on upcoming projects in the FCT, Wike dismissed the idea of any single project being more important than others.

“All are dear. All. Nothing like most of them because it affects the life of the people,” he said. “So every project that will be commissioned for the 19 days are all important as far as they have a positive impact on the lives of the people.”

The minister also emphasized the centrality of road infrastructure to development and food security. Referring to recent inspections, he highlighted how new roads are opening up farming opportunities and restoring confidence in the government.

“We shouldn’t be talking about the food security in Nigeria. Look at the land and the water to make irrigation directly to supply to the farmers. It’s just leadership,” he said.

According to Wike, a new stretch of road from A2 to Pai has been completed, and another from Pai to Gomani is ongoing.

“Now that there is road, you can see so many people will use it now. You can see people go and do farming,” he said.

He revealed plans to extend the road to Yangoji in Kwali Area Council, covering a total of over 40 kilometers.

Wike said the new infrastructure is attracting investor interest and improving living standards in rural areas.

“When you are going to that way, you’ll be happy. Look at the streetlight. You wouldn’t even know you’re in a village again and that’s what will attract investors to that place,” he said.

He described roads as the cornerstone of any meaningful development, adding, “With the roads, other things would come up. You can go and build schools, you can go and build health facilities, but if those roads were not there, it doesn’t make sense.”

Echoing Wike’s views, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Prince Chibudom Nwuche, lauded the level of development in the FCT, saying, “Abuja is becoming something else. It’s a world-class city and the developments are such that it covers both the urban and rural areas.”

Nwuche commended the quality and pace of infrastructure delivery, stating, “The quality is world-class. You can see it for yourself. The roads are world-class.” Reflecting on past administrations, he said,

“If we had been at this pace from 1999, Abuja would have long ago been much more than where it is today.”