The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has raised alarm over the deepening security and healthcare challenges in Abuja, calling for urgent and coordinated national action to address the issues.
Wike made the call on Wednesday during the 2025 budget defence session at the Senate, where he underscored Abuja’s unique status as the seat of government and a diplomatic centre, requiring a specialized and robust security framework.
“You cannot talk about autonomy in a city where the President resides, where the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and all corporate and government leadership are based,” Wike said.
He revealed that the FCT Administration is actively engaging national security bodies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), to strengthen coordination and boost security coverage.
“This city demands a comprehensive security architecture due to its national and international significance. We are working closely with security agencies because we simply cannot afford failure in this area,” the minister emphasized.
Wike expressed concern over the non-functional surveillance infrastructure in the capital, blaming political interference and bureaucratic bottlenecks for the current state of affairs.
On the subject of FCT autonomy, Wike urged caution, noting the legal and constitutional implications.
“The FCT is not like any other state. It doesn’t have a House of Assembly. Its laws are made by the National Assembly. This arrangement is deliberate and cannot be altered lightly,” he explained.
Addressing the healthcare situation, Wike announced the procurement of advanced MRI and CT scanners for public hospitals across the FCT, describing it as part of a broader effort to improve access to quality healthcare services.
“The acquisition of modern diagnostic equipment is a major step in our plan to upgrade healthcare infrastructure and deliver better medical care to residents,” he noted.
To address the multifaceted challenges facing the FCT, Wike proposed convening a joint summit involving key stakeholders in the security, health, and governance sectors, aimed at crafting comprehensive, long-term solutions.
The minister’s remarks highlight the urgency of improving Abuja’s critical infrastructure and underscore the need for national-level collaboration to safeguard the capital’s strategic role in Nigeria’s governance and development.
