Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has raised concerns over escalating security and healthcare issues in Abuja, urging swift and unified national intervention.
Speaking on Wednesday during the 2025 budget defence session at the Senate, Wike highlighted the capital’s unique status as both the administrative center and diplomatic hub, which necessitates a distinct and robust security strategy.
“You cannot talk about autonomy in a city where the President resides, where the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and every corporate head of the country operate from,” he said.
Wike explained that the FCT Administration is already collaborating with national security bodies like the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services to bolster coordination.
“This city requires total security architecture because of its national importance,” he noted, emphasizing that failure in this regard is not an option.
The minister lamented the dysfunctional state of Abuja’s surveillance systems, blaming it on bureaucratic inertia and internal interference.
“You wonder why we still can’t have effective CCTV coverage in the capital. Sometimes, it is internal politics, sometimes it is outright sabotage,” he remarked. “Even when projects are approved, you find people who deliberately frustrate implementation.”
On the topic of calls for greater autonomy in the FCT, Wike urged caution and pointed to legal constraints.
“The FCT is not like any other state. You don’t have a House of Assembly here. Our laws are made by the National Assembly,” he said. “This setup is by design and cannot be wished away.”
In terms of healthcare, Wike announced significant developments, including the recent acquisition of high-tech diagnostic equipment.
“As of Tuesday, we completed procurement processes for an MRI and CT scan machine. These will be delivered to our health facilities soon,” he said, noting that the move is part of broader efforts to improve access to quality medical services in the FCT.
Wike concluded by proposing a comprehensive summit to unite stakeholders across security, health, and governance sectors, emphasizing, “The issues we face here are complicated and cannot be solved in isolation. We need a coordinated effort that brings all stakeholders together.”
What you should know
Nyesom Wike is urging national support to address Abuja’s worsening security and healthcare challenges.
He emphasized the capital’s strategic importance and the need for unified solutions, citing legal limits to autonomy, inadequate surveillance systems, and progress in acquiring new medical equipment for FCT hospitals.
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