The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the demolition of shanties and illegal buildings in Abuja in 2025. Speaking after inspecting ongoing construction projects such as the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, and the Saburi-Dei Dei road on Tuesday, Wike emphasized that these actions are essential for the city’s development.
Wike acknowledged the controversy surrounding the demolitions but made it clear that public complaints would not deter him from carrying out his duties. He noted, Even if people are complaining, it is part of governance. You don’t expect that you will superintend over the affairs of people and then satisfy everybody.
He stressed that his administration would remain focused on the task at hand, regardless of public sentiment. Demolition must go ahead. We demolish shanties, we demolish illegal buildings. It doesn’t matter what anybody will say, Wike added.
The minister expressed confidence that, despite the criticism, the long-term benefits of these actions would be recognized, stating, At the end of the day, they will still come back to say, ‘You did a good job.’ He further emphasized the importance of focusing on the greater good, not just individual interests, as part of his governance agenda.