From Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has explained that his administration’s decision to remove the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) was aimed at accelerating development and enhancing residents’ participation in governance.
The President made this known on Sunday when he received a delegation of FCT residents, led by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for a Sallah homage.
He noted that the bureaucracy associated with the TSA had hindered infrastructure growth in the capital city, necessitating a review for better impact and progress. According to him, Pfreeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has facilitated infrastructure development, improved healthcare services, and strengthened security measures.
“I remember the day the FCT minister came to me and said, ‘Please take us out of the problem of the TSA so I can do more work and achieve more.’ I asked him to show me his plans, and he did. From there, everything changed rapidly.
“I started seeing the opening up of rural areas, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence, which had been left unattended for years. The FCT also rehabilitated healthcare centres, upgraded school facilities, and provided furniture,” Tinubu said.
The President commended Wike for demonstrating the need to free the FCT from bureaucratic bottlenecks and for restructuring the territory’s public service to ensure civil servants could aspire to higher positions.
“We wouldn’t have been able to celebrate these achievements without the progressive ideas brought to the FCT. We are now seeing innovation and real development,” he added.
Tinubu urged FCT residents and Nigerians at large to prioritize competence over ethnic and religious sentiments in leadership selection.
“Today, we live in peace, security is improving, and hunger is reducing. Food prices are stabilizing, businesses are thriving, and our national unity is getting stronger. We are not looking for magic; we are looking for results and leadership that cares,” he said.
He further praised Wike for his commitment to national unity and progress, saying, “Nyesom Wike has demonstrated the strength of our diversity. He has shown that we are all members of one family, living under one roof, in different rooms, but working towards a common goal.”
The FCT minister, in his remarks, thanked the President for hosting the delegation and described the visit as historic, being the first time FCT residents were personally extending their Sallah greetings to the President.
“We are genuinely delighted to be here. Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Wike said, pledging his continued loyalty and commitment to the development of the capital city.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs, and representatives of women and youth groups.
