Uchechukwu Okoroafor,Abuja
The FCT administration, centred on the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, had recorded much progress, particularly in the area of security. The security agencies, particularly the police, had done so well in curbing the activities of bandits and other criminal elements.
Grow your business with us
One can comparatively say today that the level of insecurity has come down so much in Abuja because of the level of support and the commitment of security agencies, particularly the police through the minister’s leadership, that had given the police and other security agencies a lot of logistics support that have effectively helped them to perform their assignments.
Most residents of the FCT will admit that the capital city has made tremendous progress in terms of arresting kidnappers, and other criminals. Wike identified key priority areas of the FCT administration as job creation, tourism, and agriculture among others and the administration is ready to partner with investors to develop the tourism and agricultural sectors of the federal capital to create employment opportunities for the youths.
Wike is also concerned about the civil service and the welfare of the workers that he needed to make his dreams for Abuja come true.
In October 2023, thousands of workers of the FCT Administration (FCTA) stormed the FCTA Secretariat at Area 11 to express their gratitude to the minister, for the approval by President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of the FCTA Civil Service Commission and Women Affairs Secretariat.
The jubilant staff, in their numbers, marched straight to the entrance of the minister’s office, where they sang his praises with their bands and trumpets.
Speaking on behalf of the workers, President of the Joint Union Action Committee FCTA/FCDA/SDAs, Matilukuro Muyideen, said the management and staff of the administration are highly excited that the issue, which has been lingering since 2004, was addressed barely two months into Wike’s leadership as the FCT minister.
Responding, the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, said he was disappointed when he learned that staff of the administration, particularly those at the director cadre, could not rise to the apex of their careers as is obtainable in other states. While assuring that he will implement the establishment of the Commission Wike promised the workers improved welfare as he prepares to carry out more reforms in the civil service.
True to his promise, early in March 2024, the minister announced the establishment of a Civil Service Commission for the territory.
Wike, broke the news during a meeting with the Directors of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and said the commission would appoint nine permanent secretaries to oversee the secretariats.
The secretariats are Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport and Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership. The others are Education, Social Development, Legal Services, Area Council, Health and Environment, and Women Affairs.
The minister said the development was in line with provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission Act, 2018, which President Bola Tinubu had approved its implementation. He said senior directors in the FCTA would be appointed as permanent secretaries for the secretariats. He also said the commission will manage the employment, training, and discipline of FCT Civil Servants, adding that this mirrors similar structures in state administration across the country.
He stated that the mandate of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is to do things right, and that was why the president took the step to implement the 2018 law establishing the Civil Service of the FCT.
He further underscored the importance of geographical representation, saying the six geopolitical zones in the country must be represented in the appointments in line with the Federal Character Principle.
In line with the promise by Wike, recently, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of a Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries in the nine Secretariats of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, and other members of the FCT Civil Service Commission. This was made known in a statement by Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The minister had, in October 2023, announced that he had received the approval of the President for the establishment of the Civil Service Commission of the Federal Capital Territory. Wike had also disclosed during a meeting with the directors of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority that the commission would appoint nine permanent secretaries to oversee the secretariats.
In his statement, Ogunleye said the President approved the appointment of a Chairman, six others as Commissioners of the CSC, and the Head of Service, and nine others as Permanent Secretaries.
The statement reads, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has approved the appointment of the Chairman and Commissioners of the FCT Civil Service Commission. “They are: Emeka Ezeh, Chairman; Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, North West; Chief Anthony Okeah, South-South; Mohammed Magaji Ibrahim, North East; Miskoom Alexander Naantuam, North Central; Hon. Jide Jimoh, South West; Martin Azubike, South East.
“Also, to strengthen the bureaucratic structure of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. President equally approved the appointment of the Head of the Civil Service and Permanent Secretaries in the FCT Civil Service.
“Mr. Atang Udo Samuel is appointed as the Head of the Civil Service and the following as Permanent Secretaries: Dr Adam Babagana, North East; Wanki Adamu Ibrahim, North East; Asmau Mukhtar, North West; Dogo Aliyu Wadata Bodinga, North West; Olusa Olusegun, South West; Adetoyi Rabiu Kolawole, South West; Grace Adayilo, North Central; Olubunmi Olowookere, North Central; Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka, South East; Okonkwo Florence Nonubari, South-South. The appointments take immediate effect.” Similarly, the President approved the appointments of heads of critical agencies of the FCTA, including, Abdulkadir Zulkarfi, as Coordinator Satellite Town Development Department; Chief Felix Obuah, as Coordinator Abuja Metropolitan Management Council; and Oladiran Akindele, as Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Council.
In the area of area council development, Wike is also constructing a total of 30-kilometre roads across the six area councils of the FCT.
But amidst the flurry of progress, one crucial element remains: the support and engagement of the FCT residents. Wike’s ambitious agenda can only reach its full potential with the active participation of the community. It is incumbent upon every resident to rally behind his administration, offering their insights, ideas, and energy to propel Abuja to even greater heights.
In supporting Wike’s vision, residents can contribute to the realization of a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable capital city. By championing initiatives to reposition education, improve healthcare, boost agriculture, and advance infrastructural development, they not only enhance their own quality of life but also lay the foundation for future generations to thrive.
As we reflect on the remarkable progress achieved under Wike’s leadership, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting his administration. Let us seize this moment to shape the future of Abuja, ensuring that it remains a shining example of progress and prosperity for the nation and the world.
In Nyesom Wike, President Tinubu has indeed made an inspired choice—one that has reshaped the trajectory of the FCT Abuja and elevated its status on the global stage. Residents of this dynamic city, should unite behind his vision, for in doing so, they will secure a brighter tomorrow for all.