Indications are rife that with the massive roads infrastructure currently being provided across Abuja under the leadership of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s seat of power may soon compete favourably with states like Benue, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kano, Zamfara, and Borno as the nation’s food basket.
Reports have revealed that these are the 10 top states in the country presently with the highest agricultural produce, fertile arable land, and good climate. Not everyone is, therefore, in doubt that considering its strategic location, access to fertile land, and the potential for increased agricultural investment, Abuja could join this league and compete significantly in contributing to Nigeria’s overall food security.
Aside from restoring life in the nation’s capital as President Bola Tinubu himself once confirmed, the transformative approach of Minister Wike in major areas across the city, especially in rural areas is fast improving connectivity, enabling rural residents to access healthcare, education, and markets more easily, with significant impact on livelihoods.
For the roads in the rural areas of Abaji, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Bwari, particularly, there is evidence that residents are beginning to witness an increase in agricultural activities and productivity, as well as a reduction in man-hours spent on transportation.
Speaking recently during an inspection tour of projects across the city, to ascertain their status ahead of President Tinubu’s official visit, commemorating his second anniversary, Minister Wike expressed confidence that the challenge of access to farmlands in Abuja has been overcome with the provision of rural roads, encouraging more people to venture into farming.
Minister Wike affirmed that “Abuja possesses the necessary resources, including arable land and water.”
NewsQuest reports that
Abuja has a landmass covering a total of approximately 8,000 square kilometers, a vast area that includes not only the city proper but also surrounding areas planned for various uses such as forestry, agriculture, and industry.
According to Minister Wike, road infrastructure remains the cornerstone of development in any country.
A statement by Rabi Musa, Assistant Director Press, office of the FCT Minister quoted Wike as saying “With roads, other things will now come up. You can go and build schools and health facilities.
“From Yangoji down to the A2 (Abuja/Lokoja expressway) will be about 43 kilometers. That place will be something else. The communities are so happy. This is what we talk about, development and dividends of democracy,” Minister Wike told reporters.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister has emphasized the importance of collective responsibility of residents in safeguarding public assets like streetlights, in supporting the work of security agencies. Minister Wike believes that citizens must play a crucial role through community support, vigilance, and information sharing in helping to protect public assets.
As far as the FCT Minister is concerned, under his leadership and with the firm backing of President Tinubu, the government is fulfilling its part in providing essential infrastructure to make life meaningful, particularly roads that were previously in deplorable condition, such as the road to Ushafa and Army War College.
“Residents should also help the government by protecting what has been provided. It will be wrong if we come back here tomorrow and we hear that one of the poles has been vandalized, the wires have been taken away. If we own this property, this is our community, it will not happen”, the Minister said.
Addressing a question about the project most dear to his heart among those slated for commissioning by the President, Minister Wike noted that all projects were equally important as they directly impact the lives of the people.
“Everyone is important and that is why we are giving attention to all of them. If one is dear, then we would not have paid attention to all of them. So, every project that will be commissioned is important as long as they will have a positive impact on the lives of the people,” Wike said.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, who had accompanied the FCT Minister on an assessment tour of projects in Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Bwari Area Councils, commended the significant infrastructural advancements in Abuja under Wike’s leadership.
Nwuche expressed profound amazement at the pace and quality of development, stressing that the level of work being done is incredible in under two years.
“Abuja is rapidly transforming into a world-class city, with development extending beyond the urban core to encompass rural areas. We have been to Gwagwalada, from there to Kwali, and then to Ushafa in Bwari Area Council.
“The level of work going on is just incredible in under two years. I’m quite amazed,” the former Deputy Speaker stated.
According to him “We should commend the Minister for putting his heart to the job and we should commend the President for giving the support that is required for these wonderful feats achieved so far. The quality of the projects is world-class.
Asked by reporters to compare the FCT of 1999, when he served as Deputy Speaker, with its current state, Nwuche explained that if the pace had been maintained since then, Abuja would have long ago been much more advanced.
“Many Ministers have come and gone, but the current FCT Minister has truly made a great impact on the nation’s capital,” Nwuche said.
