The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared his commitment to transforming the perception and administration of Abuja, vowing to change the narrative of governance in the territory.
He made this known while playing host to the Asset Management Cooperation of Nigeria (AMCON) in his Conference Hall on Tuesday in Abuja.
Wike emphasized that leadership should transcend ethnic, religious, or personal interests, focusing instead on development and progress.
“In Nigeria, everything you do has some form of color attached to it whether ethnicity or religion. People think that when you are appointed as a minister, it’s only for you to share or allocate lands. No one talks about education or healthcare. In the office, it’s always about land, land, land,” Wike said.
The Minister also lamented the resistance to change, citing that when attempts are made to reform the system, critics often resort to accusations tied to regional or religious affiliations.
“When you try to make changes, they will call you all sorts of names. They’ll say it’s because I am from the South-West, South-East, North-East, or because I am a Muslim or Christian, or that I don’t believe in God. But someone must take the bull by the horns. That is what leadership is about,” Wike asserted.
He expressed his determination to make the FCT a model city like other advanced nations, promising that his administration will not relent in its efforts to bring about the necessary reforms. “We are committed to making changes in the FCT, and we are not going to relent. Let us make our country like other advanced nations of the world,” he added.
Reflecting on his tenure as governor, Wike mentioned his engagement with the Assets Management Cooperation of Nigeria and how some government assets were embroiled in litigation. He reiterated his willingness to address similar challenges in the FCT, aiming to create a more transparent and efficient administrative system.
Wike assured AMCON of his full support, reiterating his commitment to transparent governance in the FCT. He pledged to work with AMCON to ensure that debt recovery efforts are carried out effectively, signaling that his administration will assist in addressing financial accountability across sectors.
Earlier, the Managing Director, Assets Management Cooperation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr. Gbenga Alade urged the the minister and other stakeholders to support efforts to recover debts owed by powerful and influential Nigerians who have refused to repay their loans. Alade emphasized that the recovery of these funds is crucial for the nation’s economy, as the money belongs to the Nigerian people.
Alade stressed the need for collaboration, stating, “We are not interested in merely selling off these properties. We want investors who can take over these assets for the benefit of Nigeria. The money is for Nigerians, and it would not be fair to let these defaulters go without paying.”
AMCON, tasked with managing bad debts and assets, is seeking new ways to ensure that defaulters, many of whom are well-connected, meet their financial obligations. Alade emphasized that the corporation’s goal is not to liquidate assets but to work with stakeholders to find investors who can use these properties to generate revenue and contribute to national development.
