“We Can’t Sit in Offices and Assume Projects Are Going Well” — Wike Emphasizes Field Oversight in FCT

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has emphasized the importance of hands-on leadership in project monitoring, declaring that bureaucrats can no longer afford to stay in offices while assuming that developmental projects are progressing as planned.

Speaking during the commissioning of a five-kilometre road connecting Naharati, River Ukya, and Unguwan Hausawa communities in Abaji Area Council,

Wike issued the warning to FCT directors and other civil servants responsible for project administration.

“We can’t sit in our
offices and assume
projects are going
well. We must go out,
inspect, and ensure
that what we approved
is what is happening
on the ground,” Wike
stated.

The minister expressed frustration over delays caused by internal bureaucracy and red tape, directly warning officials who withhold or delay processing approved files.

“Woe unto that
director who will keep
a file that I have
approved for weeks.
Woe unto you because
you are a saboteur,” he
declared.

Since his appointment, Wike has been noted for his frequent visits to project sites across the FCT, insisting that leadership requires presence, pressure, and personal involvement.

His direct oversight has led to the revival of previously stalled initiatives, including the Abuja Rail Mass Transit project and several critical road and housing developments.

Wike explained that once he grants approval for a project, the corresponding administrative and financial processes should not exceed seven days. He warned that any unnecessary delay could increase costs and prompt contractors to request variations, which he firmly rejects.

“You delay a file for
two or three weeks,
then the contractor
will now come and say
there’s variation. I
won’t take that. If I
approve it, implement
it. If you don’t, you’re
sabotaging our work,”
he said.

Residents of the FCT have noted significant improvements in infrastructure delivery, with Wike promising that all road projects currently under execution will be completed by the end of 2024.

Political observers say Wike’s tough stance may ruffle feathers within the bureaucracy, but it is winning him praise from communities directly benefiting from accelerated project delivery.