Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has called on Nigerians to remain patient as the nation grapples with economic challenges, assuring them that the ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubuโs administration will yield tangible results before the end of its first term in 2027.
Wike made these remarks on Thursday during an inspection of road and bridge projects in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
The minister emphasized the critical role of infrastructure in addressing economic woes, citing road development as a key driver for reducing the cost of goods.
โTake for example, the price of goods is still surging. If there was no road, why would the price of goods not go high?
By the time these roads are completed and farmers are now going to farm, it will reduce,โ he said.
He underscored the importance of creating infrastructure not only within the city but also in rural areas, enabling economic growth and improving the livelihoods of residents.
Under the โRenewed Hope Agenda,โ Wike reiterated the administrationโs commitment to fostering development across Nigeria.
Highlighting ongoing projects such as the Aguma Palace road, he pointed to the visible joy and relief among residents as evidence of progress.
โYou can see how the residents have trooped out. Nobody who sees good things will not appreciate it.
People are now feeling the presence of government in their lives, and thatโs what governance is all aboutโimpacting lives positively,โ he added.
Acknowledging criticisms faced by the administration, Wike noted that such scrutiny is inevitable but should not derail focus. โCriticisms must always be there, and you cannot run away from it.
But it is not everything that you have to react to. Let the people see for themselves,โ he stated.
Wike expressed confidence that Nigerians would soon recognize the progress being made.
โBy the end of this administrationโs first tenure, you will see that Nigerians will say, indeed, things have really changed. Just like you can say that Abuja has changed,โ he said.
The ministerโs statements align with the administrationโs broader efforts to address Nigeriaโs economic challenges through infrastructure development and targeted reforms, with a promise to rekindle hope and drive national growth.