Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has dispelled misconceptions surrounding the relationship between the FCT Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), stressing that the FCDA is a subsidiary of the FCTA and not an independent body.
Wike made the clarification when the FCDA management team, led by its Acting Executive Secretary, Engineer Richard Yunana Dauda, visited him as part of activities marking the FCT’s 50th anniversary.
According to the Minister, the FCDA was established strictly for the development and planning of the FCT, describing it as a “child” of the FCTA. He noted that without the FCT, the FCDA would not exist, adding that the authority of the FCT Minister to approve staff promotions within the FCDA further confirms the administrative hierarchy.
“To avoid conflict, the FCT Minister chairs the FCDA board. People should stop mistaking FCDA for FCTA,” Wike said.
On the golden jubilee of the FCT, the Minister disclosed plans to merge the celebration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office later in 2026, explaining that he did not want the FCT’s anniversary to overshadow the President’s milestone. He added that a compendium highlighting achievements in the FCT would be unveiled during the event.
Wike commended President Tinubu for what he described as far-reaching reforms, particularly the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, which he said has renewed workers’ confidence and hope for career advancement.
He also attributed the recent surge in infrastructure development across the FCT to the decision by President Tinubu to exempt the territory from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), allowing the administration to access and leverage its internally generated revenue (IGR).
“Previously, banks could not lend to us because our funds were tied down at the CBN. Now, we can deploy our IGR to execute projects,” he said, citing rural road projects such as the Tudun Madaki–Zuba road as evidence of the administration’s commitment to grassroots development.
The Minister praised the Acting Executive Secretary of FCDA, Engineer Dauda, for his leadership and alignment with the administration’s vision, noting that efficiency and dedication were key reasons for his continued appointment.
He, however, cautioned against unnecessary internal disputes, describing a recent strike over inter-staff issues as avoidable and better handled administratively by the Head of Service.
Reaffirming his commitment to rural development, Wike expressed concern over the long neglect of some communities, including Tudun Madaki, and pledged to prioritize road and infrastructure projects that would improve access and livelihoods in underserved areas.
“How can people feel the presence of government without basic roads?” he asked, promising to open up more villages through strategic partnerships and sustained investment.