President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has justified his administration’s decision to remove the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), stating that the move was necessary to fast-track infrastructure development and improve governance in the capital city.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Sunday while receiving FCT residents for the traditional Sallah homage, Tinubu said that bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with the TSA had hindered rapid progress in the city.
“I remember the day the FCT Minister came to me and said, ‘Please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more,’” Tinubu recalled. “I asked him to show me his plans, and he did. Since then, everything has started changing rapidly.”
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, led the delegation of residents, which included lawmakers, judiciary officials, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs, and representatives of women and youth groups.
President Tinubu highlighted the impact of the policy shift, pointing to significant progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and security within the FCT.
“We have seen the opening up of rural areas, the revival of abandoned projects, and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence that had been left for years. Health centres have been rehabilitated, school facilities upgraded, and furniture provided,” the President said.
He commended Wike for restructuring the FCT public service to allow civil servants to rise through the ranks and take on leadership roles. “We wouldn’t have been able to celebrate without the progressive ideas you have brought to the FCT,” Tinubu added.
The President urged Nigerians to prioritize competence and results over ethnic and religious affiliations when choosing leaders.
READ ALSO: Wike Revokes 568 FCT Lands Over Unpaid C-of-O Bills
“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is reducing, food prices are coming down, and businesses are thriving. We are not looking for magic but for results, comfort, and leaders who care about the people,” he stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to national unity, Tinubu praised Wike’s leadership as an example of how diversity can drive prosperity. “Nyesom Wike is proving that we are all members of one family, living together under one roof, despite our different rooms.”
He also called for increased tolerance and patriotism, urging citizens to embrace the lessons of Ramadan. “All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far. May the lessons continue to guide us.”
In his remarks, Wike expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for allowing FCT residents to visit and extend their greetings in person for the first time during Eid celebrations.
“This visit marks a historic moment. We are genuinely delighted to be here,” Wike said. He reaffirmed his loyalty to Tinubu’s administration and promised to ensure the timely completion of major projects in the FCT.
“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he declared.
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, were also present at the event.