Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has raised serious concerns over rising insecurity and weaknesses in the health sector in Abuja, urging national stakeholders to urgently step in.
Speaking during the 2025 budget defence before the Senate on Wednesday, Wike stressed that the FCT’s status as Nigeria’s seat of power and home to key government institutions demands a distinct and well-coordinated security system.
“You can’t talk about autonomy in a city where the President, the IGP, the NSA and top government heads live,” Wike said. “The security of this city is not something we can handle alone.”
He revealed that the FCT Administration is now working more closely with national security bodies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services, to build a stronger, more unified security approach.
Wike lamented that internal politics and bureaucratic delays had crippled efforts to install effective surveillance systems, such as CCTVs, across the city.
“Even when projects are approved, some people deliberately stall implementation. It’s either sabotage or needless bottlenecks,” he said.
FCT Not a Regular State
Responding to calls for more autonomy for the FCT, Wike cautioned that Abuja’s governance structure is constitutionally different.
“There’s no House of Assembly here. Our laws are made by the National Assembly. That’s by design and not something that can be changed overnight,” he said.
Health Sector Gets Equipment Boost
On the health front, Wike announced that the FCT has completed procurement for new MRI and CT scan machines to be installed in public hospitals.
“This is part of our plan to improve health diagnostics and services across Abuja,” he said.
The minister called for a national summit to tackle the FCT’s challenges in security, healthcare, and administration, stressing the need for a united and strategic response.
“These problems are too complex for isolated action. We need every stakeholder at the table,” Wike said.
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