The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a sweeping overhaul of Abuja’s public transportation system and major reforms in the disbursement of education funds, signalling a bold new direction in urban governance and public service delivery.
Speaking during a media chat with journalists on Monday, Wike revealed plans to implement an organised, government-regulated transport network across the capital. The system will feature buses and taxis operating from designated terminals, creating an efficient model to replace the city’s chaotic informal transit operations.
“Buses will move passengers to central terminals. From there, taxis—registered and painted in official colours—will take them to their final destinations,” Wike explained.
He made it clear that the FCT administration would not operate the buses but would build the infrastructure and regulatory framework for private operators to run services under strict guidelines. “We’re not running the buses ourselves. Private operators will do that. But the structure will be ours,” he added.
The project will be officially launched later this month by President Bola Tinubu, although full operations are expected to begin in 2025 due to procurement timelines.
City Planning and Road Expansion: No Room for Delay
Wike also addressed lingering issues with the enforcement of Abuja’s original master plan, pointing to delays caused by community pushback and indecisiveness by past officials.
“There’s a road that should’ve been completed, but someone said the village is in the way. If they’ve been compensated, the road must go through,” he stated firmly.
He emphasised that while he did not draw the master plan, he is determined to enforce it without compromise, including paying further compensation if necessary.
Education Funds Bypass Local Councils Over Misuse
In a move to curb misappropriation of education funds, Wike announced that the 10% education allocation previously disbursed to local area council chairmen will now be paid directly to teachers by a committee managed by his office.
“We’re no longer giving the education fund to chairmen. My treasurer will pay teachers directly. We want the money to reach classrooms,” he said.
He defended the legality and necessity of the move, describing it as “for the greater good,” warning that neglecting basic education only fuels youth delinquency and extremism.
Decisive Leadership: “Enough Is Enough”
Wike cited his recent post-travel demolition order as an example of leadership in action.
“I had just returned from Milan, and that same morning, I said enough is enough. You’ve had the time. We’re moving,” he recalled.
Criticising the delay in implementing the removal of fuel subsidy in past administrations, he said leadership means making bold decisions, whether popular or not.
“Everyone agreed the subsidy was a scam. But who had the courage to act?” he asked.
