President Bola Tinubu has clarified his administration’s decision to exempt the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), stating that the move was aimed at accelerating development and improving residents’ engagement in governance.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a Sallah homage led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Tinubu praised the minister for his dedication and expressed hope that his efforts would contribute to the All Progressives Congress (APC) securing victory in 2027.
The President also addressed his remarks about potentially dismissing Wike over Abuja’s development projects and their political implications.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tinubu noted that bureaucratic challenges tied to the TSA had hindered infrastructure development in the capital city, necessitating a review for efficiency.
He emphasized that lifting the TSA restrictions on the FCT had led to significant progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and security.
“I remember the day the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, ‘Please take us out of the problem of the TSA, so that I can do more work and achieve more.’ I said, ‘Show me what you are about to do,’ and he presented his thinking and belief.
“Everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas, the resuscitation of abandoned projects and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence that had been abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for schoolchildren, and provided furniture,” Tinubu explained.
He lauded Wike for demonstrating that cutting through bureaucratic hurdles was necessary and for restructuring the FCT public service to enable civil servants to aspire to leadership positions.
“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not because of the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” Tinubu stated.
Wike, in response, described the visit as historic, remarking, “It is the first time the FCT residents can extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are genuinely delighted to be here.”
He pledged his continued loyalty to the President and commitment to advancing the capital city’s development, assuring that numerous projects would be completed under his tenure.
Tinubu referred to Wike as “Mr. Infrastructure” and highlighted key projects completed under his leadership, emphasizing their impact on the lives of Abuja residents.
Recognizing the diverse personalities in the delegation, the President remarked: “I could see the diversity of men and women here. I must thank the Minister of FCT. It’s worth it. It is nothing other than a privilege to be the landlord of every one of us in Abuja.”
Recalling his discussion with Wike on the TSA, Tinubu humorously noted that it could have cost the minister his job.
“The day Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more.’ Then I said, ‘Okay, tell me what you’re about to do.’ And he presented it. I threw in my political guide.
“‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party to win the election in FCT?’ I said, ‘I know where you are coming from: your party or my party. If this thing goes too much in your favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we settle that, oga,’” Tinubu recounted.
