President Bola Ahmed Tinubu explained on Sunday in Abuaja that his administration removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to accelerate development and enhance residents’ participation in governance.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa while receiving FCT residents on a Sallah homage, Tinubu stated that the bureaucracy associated with the TSA was hindering infrastructure growth in the capital city, necessitating a review for greater impact and progress.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, led the delegation of residents during the visit.
Tinubu highlighted that exempting the FCT from TSA restrictions had rapidly spurred infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and strengthened security measures.
“I remember the day the FCT Minister came to me and said, ‘Please take us out of the TSA constraints so I can do more and achieve better results.’ I asked him to show me his plans, and he presented his vision and beliefs.
“Everything began to change rapidly. I saw the opening of rural areas by the FCT administration, the revival of abandoned projects, and the long-awaited completion of the Vice President’s official residence, which had been neglected for years. The FCT also rehabilitated healthcare centers, upgraded school facilities, and provided essential furniture,” Tinubu said.
He commended Minister Wike for demonstrating that freeing the FCT from bureaucratic hurdles was necessary. He also praised the restructuring of the FCT public service, which allowed civil servants to aspire to higher positions and provide better leadership.
“We wouldn’t have had the confidence to celebrate today if not for the progressive ideas you introduced. We can now appreciate the innovations taking place in the FCT,” Tinubu noted.
The President urged FCT residents and Nigerians to move beyond ethnic and religious considerations in their leadership choices and focus on results.
“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is reducing. Food prices are stabilizing. We can go to the market and conduct business. Our diversity and belief in ourselves are strengthening.
“We are not looking for magic; we are looking for results. We seek comfort, good health, and leadership that genuinely cares,” he emphasized.
Tinubu added that governance is a collective effort, not just the responsibility of himself and Wike.
“Nyesom Wike is demonstrating Nigeria’s diversity. He is strengthening that diversity to drive prosperity, reminding us that we are all part of one family—living in different rooms but under the same roof,” he said.
The President called for greater tolerance, open-mindedness, and patriotism.
“My appeal is for continued tolerance, which has brought us this far. We have learned valuable lessons from Ramadan, and I pray that these lessons stay with us,” he said.
In response, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike thanked the President for hosting the residents at the State House.
“This visit marks a historic moment, as it is the first time FCT residents have had the opportunity to extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are truly delighted to be here,” Wike said.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the President and his commitment to developing the capital city, assuring that several key projects would soon be completed.
“Despite our diverse backgrounds, we remain united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
The event was attended by Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, as well as members of the National Assembly, the judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs, and representatives of women and youth groups.
