Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating security and healthcare challenges facing Abuja, calling for a coordinated national intervention to address the critical situation. Mr. Wike made these remarks on Wednesday during a budget defence session at the Senate, emphasising Abuja’s unique position as the nation’s capital and a vital diplomatic hub.
Mr. Wike underscored the inherent complexities of securing a city that serves as the seat of presidential power and hosts key national security institutions. “You cannot talk about autonomy in a city where the President resides, where the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and every corporate head of the country operate from,” he stated. He stressed that “the security of this city is not something we can handle alone”.
To this end, the FCT Administration has already initiated engagements with national security bodies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services, to foster stronger collaboration. “This city requires total security architecture because of its national importance,” Mr. Wike asserted, adding, “We have begun serious collaboration with national security agencies. We can’t afford failure in this area”.
The minister also expressed frustration over the non-functional surveillance infrastructure in Abuja, attributing the problem to a combination of “political roadblocks and administrative bottlenecks”. He lamented the lack of effective CCTV coverage, suggesting that “sometimes, it is internal politics, sometimes it is outright sabotage. Even when projects are approved, you find people who deliberately frustrate implementation”.
Addressing ongoing discussions about greater autonomy for the FCT, Mr. Wike urged caution, citing legal complexities. He explained that unlike other states, the FCT does not have its own House of Assembly, with its laws being made by the National Assembly. “This setup is by design and cannot be wished away,” he clarified.
On the healthcare front, Mr. Wike announced significant strides in improving public health services within the FCT. He confirmed the recent procurement of advanced diagnostic equipment. “As of Tuesday, we completed procurement processes for an MRI and CT scan machine. These will be delivered to our health facilities soon,” Mr. Wike stated. This acquisition marks a step forward in the Administration’s broader plan to enhance access to quality medical care.
To comprehensively tackle these multi-faceted challenges, Mr. Wike proposed a joint summit involving stakeholders from the security, health, and administrative sectors. “The issues we face here are complicated and cannot be solved in isolation. We need a coordinated effort that brings all stakeholders together,” he concluded.
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