The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the Abuja Municipal Area Council Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, to immediately cease the unauthorized naming of road projects financed by the FCT Administration. The Minister’s directive was delivered during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of Road A09 in the Asokoro area of Abuja.
Wike strongly criticized the practice of naming roads after individuals without the knowledge or approval of his administration. He emphasized the importance of following proper procedures for naming public infrastructure. “We cannot be doing roads… before you wake up, you name the streets… on a road we are suffering, looking for money to provide infrastructure,” Wike stated.
The Minister argued that the naming of streets should be a recognition of contributions to the area’s development and should not be influenced by monetary exchanges. He clarified the distinction between different parts of the capital, expressing that while naming streets in satellite towns might be acceptable, streets within the city should be reserved for more significant honors. Wike explained that such naming in the city should be for national honors as may be directed by the President.
The Minister’s remarks underscore ongoing concerns about governance and accountability in the management of public infrastructure, highlighting a pressing need for transparency in local government operations.
