Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as purposeful and servant-oriented leadership aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and inclusive development.
Wike made the remarks on Tuesday while delivering a lecture at the 2026 Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture Series organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. The lecture was titled, “Exemplary Leadership and Infrastructural Development in Nigeria: Between Dividends of Democracy and Good Governance.”
The FCT Minister noted that President Tinubu’s democratic credentials were established long before he assumed office, citing his role in the pro-democracy struggle and his record as former governor of Lagos State. According to Wike, Tinubu demonstrated the ability to translate vision into measurable development, particularly in revenue generation, infrastructure expansion and institutional reforms.
He pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy as evidence of decisive leadership, describing the move as a bold step that previous administrations had avoided. While acknowledging the short-term hardship associated with the policy, Wike said it has freed resources for subnational development, curtailed unsustainable debt accumulation and initiated reforms in the energy sector.
“This decision exemplifies leadership willing to endure temporary unpopularity in the pursuit of long-term national interest,” he said.
Wike further stated that the administration is addressing structural imbalances through development commissions and decentralised initiatives, alongside reforms in the security sector aimed at strengthening state capacity and restoring public confidence.
He, however, stressed that leadership alone cannot drive national transformation, urging citizens to embrace collective responsibility and active participation in governance.
“The current situation demands more than criticism; it demands commitment. With purposeful leadership and responsible citizenship working together, democracy can truly deliver development,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the annual lecture series reflects the institution’s commitment to intellectual engagement on national issues, particularly the nexus between leadership and development.
Chairman of the occasion, Aminu Gusau, described Wike as a result-oriented public servant whose tenure has witnessed accelerated infrastructure delivery and renewed focus on the Abuja Master Plan.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Mutiullah Olasupo, said the Minister was chosen to deliver the lecture in recognition of his political resilience and contributions to democratic governance and infrastructural development.