By Ben Adoga, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians of massive investment in critical infrastructure nationwide.
This is as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, credited President Tinubu for the support the administration is receiving that has enabled him to perform.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, made this commitment at the official opening of the Collector Road, CN2, which links Ahmadu Bello Way with the Katampe district and other roads in the FCT.
Tinubu stated that his administration is committed to providing critical infrastructure across the country.
“Our administration will continue to invest in critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, housing, transportation, education, and healthcare. Infrastructure development is not an expenditure but a good investment for the people.
“I assure you that we are committed to making sure that every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance. We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver infrastructure projects that will enhance the quality of life for our citizens.”
Tinubu hailed Wike’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the implementation of the projects.
“The Minister’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the implementation of the budget is commendable. His ability to deliver projects within budget and timeframe is a testament to his leadership and vision.”
Tinubu reiterated his commitment to urban development and improving the lives of the people.
“This project reflects our administration’s commitment to urban development and improving the quality of life for our citizens. We believe that infrastructure development is critical to national growth and development.”
He urged the people to take ownership of the project and protect it rather than letting it be vandalised.
The Speaker, who represented the President, however, made personal comments before presenting the President’s speech.
Kalu commended Wike for proper budget implementation and noted that the National Assembly has no problems passing the FCT budget due to his performance.
He said Wike has given life to Mr President’s renewed hope agenda: “When we make our budget, we don’t fear if the budget performance will tally with our intentions. You did it last year, and this year, again, you have given us 17 projects. We are proud of you. It’s not only the President who is impressed with you; the parliament is impressed as well. This is a true reflection of the renewed hope agenda. The renewed hope agenda is not a mere theory; you’ve given life to it.”
In his welcome address, Wike credited President Tinubu for the massive support which has enabled the performance.
“The support Mr President has always given us is support, and that is why we’re able to achieve what we’re achieving,” he said.
The Minister seized the opportunity to clarify that the FCT is not a wealthy state, as some people believe, and that he required funds to deliver on the planned projects.
“That is why he is aggressive in collecting ground rent. He said he would publish the names of defaulters; he stated that it was not intended to embarrass anyone but rather that those owing should pay up.
“See the product of paying a ground rent. If you don’t pay, nobody will provide this infrastructure because the city’s only source of revenue is tax collection.
“I’ve said it before, people say Abuja is rich. How are they rich? What Abuja collects from the Federation Account is one per cent of what the federal government gets every month.
“So, if we only depend on one per cent of what the federal government gets every month, it means that we can only collect taxes; that’s why we’re very aggressive in collecting ground rents.”
Wike challenged the wealthy to pay their ground rents, or he would publish their names.
“The big men are those who make sure they don’t pay taxes. However, before they leave London, these big men pay their property taxes. Before they leave America, they pay their rent.
“They know the consequences. But here, they will not be chased. Here, they will say, “Oh, give us time.” But in London, they won’t say, ‘ Give us time. ‘ In America, they won’t say give us time. In that place, they will obey. But in Nigeria, we always have one excuse or the other.”
Wike stated that the project was completed in eight months rather than the initially planned 12 months.
He said the completion of the road project has appreciated properties in that area of Abuja.
“The people here will benefit from it. This is what we’re talking about development,” he added.
