Wike Appoints Mukhtar Galadima Senior Special Assistant on Development Control

Former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has appointed Mukhtar Usman Galadima as his Senior Special Assistant on Development Control and Planning, signaling a renewed focus on urban management and regulatory compliance in the FCT.

The appointment was officially announced this week, highlighting Galadima’s extensive experience in town planning and development oversight.

Prior to this role, Galadima served as Director of the Department of Development Control, where he gained recognition for enforcing building codes, curbing illegal developments, and ensuring adherence to urban planning regulations.

Observers say his elevation to Senior Special Assistant positions him to influence broader policy decisions, combining technical expertise with strategic oversight.

Political analysts note that Wike’s choice of Galadima reflects the administration’s commitment to maintaining orderly urban development, particularly in the state capital and rapidly expanding urban centers. In his new capacity, Galadima is expected to oversee compliance with development regulations, advise on planning policies, and coordinate initiatives aimed at sustainable urban growth.

The appointment also marks a transition for Galadima from a career bureaucrat to a top political‑technical adviser, leveraging his institutional knowledge to support the governor’s urban development agenda. Stakeholders in urban planning and real estate have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that it will strengthen enforcement of planning regulations and improve the overall management of development projects in Rivers State.