The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying opposition parties should direct questions about the policy’s benefits to state governments.
Wike spoke during his traditional media chat with selected journalists in Abuja, where he argued that President Bola Tinubu does not have the constitutional authority to dictate to state and local governments how they should spend additional revenue received following the subsidy removal.
According to the minister, the Federal Government cannot compel states to account for how they utilised increased allocations, insisting that critics should instead engage the individual state governments over the impact of the additional funds.
Wike’s comments followed criticisms from opposition parties, which have described the benefits of subsidy removal as a “mirage” and accused the Federal Government of using the policy to worsen the economic hardship facing Nigerians.
WIKE SPEAKS ON SUBSIDY REMOVAL, SAYS OPPOSITION SHOULD ASK ABOUT THE GAINS
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended the removal of subsidies, saying opposition parties should be asking their states questions about the gains achieved from the… pic.twitter.com/vihSuB4D5W
— NTANetwork (@NTANewsNow) September 2, 2026
Wike Highlights Tinubu Administration’s FCT Projects
The FCT minister also highlighted what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration in Abuja.
He said 107 capital projects had been commissioned in the FCT, with 76 already completed. According to him, another 10 projects are expected to be commissioned before the January elections, while the remaining projects will be completed before the end of the administration’s tenure.
Wike challenged critics to compare the administration’s performance in Abuja with those of previous governments, insisting that no administration in the history of the FCT had achieved as much as the Tinubu government.
He also outlined the FCT Administration’s efforts to complete projects inherited from previous administrations.
According to Wike, 23 of the 25 projects inherited from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration have been completed, while work continues on the remaining two.
He added that six of the eight projects inherited from the administrations of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua had also been completed, with the remaining two still under construction.
The minister said the figures demonstrate the Tinubu administration’s commitment to completing both inherited projects and new developments across the nation’s capital.
No Party Will Win the Presidential Election in the FCT Except the APC — Wike
I came to the FCT to prove a point, there is nothing difficult about governance if you choose to work. You can check my record as Governor of Rivers State. All the contractors know my standards. In four… pic.twitter.com/qTlVHlQffr
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) September 2, 2026
Wike Blames Climate Change, Illegal Structures for Abuja Flooding
Speaking on flooding and climate change, Wike said the FCT must adapt to changing rainfall patterns while tackling human activities that contribute to flooding.
He attributed recent flooding in parts of Abuja partly to climate change and illegal construction, particularly structures obstructing waterways and drainage channels.
Wike said the FCT Administration would continue enforcing the Abuja Master Plan and remove structures that interfere with natural waterways and drainage systems.
Wike Says He Prefers to Stay in Nigeria Amid Political Activities
The minister was also asked whether he would travel outside the country as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
Wike said the issue was not about travelling abroad, stressing that he preferred to remain with his people and “grow with them.”
His comments come as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
2027: I Owe Rivers and FCT to President Tinubu as General Commander of the Political Infantry — Wike
My coming to Port Harcourt is not about relocating. It is about coming home to reconnect with my people, do what I do best, and not leave anything to chance. You do not need to… pic.twitter.com/RSSyf7hvZ1
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) September 2, 2026
Wike Criticises Nigerian Bar Association Conference
Wike also criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing its recently concluded conference as a “flop” and accusing the association’s leadership of allowing politics to overshadow issues affecting the legal profession.
He questioned the legacy of the current NBA president and criticised the decision to invite a former governor whom he accused of shutting down the courts in his state for almost two years.
The FCT minister said the development raised questions about the direction and priorities of the association.
Wike called for greater attention to the NBA’s core responsibilities, particularly the welfare of lawyers and the protection of the integrity of the legal profession, rather than political interests.
WHY I DIDN’T SUPPORT THE CURRENT NBA PRESIDENT- FTC MINISTER
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has expressed his concerns over the increasing politicization of the NBA. He also speaks on why he did not support the current President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola… pic.twitter.com/HwPXboJkuh
— NTANetwork (@NTANewsNow) September 2, 2026
