Abuja @50: FCTA Targets 50 Projects To Mark Tinubu’s 3rd Anniversary

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to bring the total number of landmark projects executed under President Bola Tinubu to 50 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital, alongside the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration.

The FCT Administration also hinted that the Minister has approved a comprehensive review of the Abuja Master Plan, in partnership with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to align the plan with present-day realities and future development needs.

The Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Mr. Richard Yunana, gave this indication when he led management and board members of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to the FCT Minister, Dr. Nyesom Wike, on activities lined up for the Abuja @50 celebration.

He disclosed that nine projects were commissioned during President Tinubu’s first anniversary in 2024, 17 in 2025, and projects planned for commissioning in 2026 is expected to bring the total projects to 50 by the President’s third anniversary.

The FCDA boss described the achievements recorded so far under the current FCT Administration since August 2023 as unprecedented in the 50-year history of the territory.

Dauda recalled that the Abuja Master Plan, prepared by International Planning Associates in 1979 and complemented by the FCT Regional Development Plan in 1983, laid the foundation for the city’s growth.

The FCDA Acting ES, however, noted that infrastructure development over the years had been slow due to funding constraints, rapid population influx, and the pressure of extending services to satellite towns.

He revealed that while Phase I of the Federal Capital City has achieved about 85 percent infrastructure completion, Phases II and III lag behind at about 30 percent and 10 percent respectively, with Phase IV yet to commence.

He added that urban expansion, resettlement challenges, and population growth have necessitated the creation of new districts and the introduction of Phase V, expanding the city’s scope and projected population.

The Acting ES further used the medium to reaffirm the commitment of FCDA staff and management to the vision of building a first-class capital city comparable to the best in the world.

Responding, the Minister of the FCT, Dr. Nyesom Wike, expressed delight that Abuja’s jubilee is coming at a time he was appointed minister.

“FCDA is a child of FCTA designed to oversee development in FCT. I thank God that i became minister When FCTA turned 50 years under President Tinubu…All the transformation, would not have been possible without the support of President Tinubu.”

Wike assured that a high-powered committee would soon be inaugurated to plan a befitting commemoration that aligns with President Tinubu’s third year in office.

According to the Minister, the decision to merge both celebrations was deliberate, because both the FCT’s golden jubilee and the President’s anniversary are significant.

He explained that rather than hold isolated ceremonies, the FCTA would launch a comprehensive compendium of achievements during the President’s third anniversary, describing it as a more strategic and respectful approach.

“All that we have achieved would not have been possible without the strong support of Mr. President,” Wike said.

Wike highlighted key policy decisions under President Tinubu that have accelerated development in the FCT, particularly the approval allowing the FCTA to exit the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

He explained that the move has unlocked access to funding through commercial banks, enabling the execution of critical social and infrastructure projects using the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“For years, people complained about lack of infrastructure, but nobody asked what was restraining development,” he noted.

The minister expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for restoring hope within the FCT public service through several reforms, creating opportunities for career growth and institutional stability.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji