Wike defends FCT borrowing, says loans funding infrastructure

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has defended the administration’s borrowing for infrastructure projects, saying the focus should be on whether borrowed funds are being used to improve the lives of residents.

The Minister was reacting to criticism over alleged FCT borrowings without the approval of the National Assembly, an issue recently raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT in the Senate.

Kingibe had questioned the legality of the alleged borrowings, saying she had not seen Wike appear before the Senate to seek approval for a loan.

The claim has also drawn a response from the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, who said Wike had not committed any infraction and had subjected the FCT Administration to legislative scrutiny.

However, responding to questions from journalists after inspecting some ongoing road projects across the FCT on Tuesday, Wike said it was impossible for government to obtain a loan without legislative approval, stressing that the more important issue was how the funds were being applied.

“There’s no way you can go and take a loan without the approval of the National Assembly. Anyone who takes a loan will include it in the budget that this aspect of the budget will be funded through a loan,” he said.

He added that his concern was to ensure that borrowed funds were deployed to projects that serve residents.

“I thought she would criticize that I’m doing nothing. So if my problem is that I took a loan, if I took a loan, I’m using it to work. What her concern should have been is, are we applying the loan to work for the interest of residents?” Wike said.

Wike spoke while inspecting progress of work along the Wuye-Mbora road, Tungan Madaki to Zuba road and Kagini, off the Old Keffi Road. He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work and the commitment of the contractors.

He said the projects were expected to meet their scheduled completion targets, despite delays caused by the rainy season.

“I was having a doubt, but the contractors are fully committed. But for the rains, I know they would have gone far. I believe that from the first week of October, the rains will not be much again, and you will see how all of them will go with speed. I’m very, very assured that they’ll meet up with the December schedule,” he said.

Wike expressed confidence that the completed projects would have significant economic impact, particularly on residents of communities that had long faced poor road connectivity.

He described the expected completion as part of President Bola Tinubu’s “Christmas gift” to FCT residents, saying improved access would enable residents to travel and stimulate economic activity.

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“They have always said that by the grace of God, they will meet up with the schedule, which is December. We have promised the residents that this will be their Christmas gift by Mr. President, so that they go back home, enjoy their Christmas holiday, and as you can see, you can imagine the happiness of those who stay here. Economically, things will change,” he said.

Addressing residents of Tungan Shanu village along the Tungan Madaki to Zuba corridor, Wike urged them to support President Tinubu and Philip Aduda for FCT Senate in the 2027 elections.

“We will push the contractor to deliver the road by December so that you’ll be happy. That is what the President is doing for you. The President said this road will be a Christmas gift for all of you. So, when the election comes too, don’t forget to vote for Tinubu and Aduda,” he said.

At Kaba community on the Kagini to Kubwa Expressway corridor, Wike told cheering residents:

“I’m happy that you people are happy that this road will be completed in December. I came here with the man that will represent you well in the Senate and that is Sen. Philip Aduda. He’s the one that will connect you directly with Tinubu. So, I hope all of you will vote for Tinubu and Aduda.”