Wike hails Tinubu’s leadership as key to Nigeria’s growth

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described President Bola Tinubu’s leadership as purposeful and service-driven, saying it is positioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and inclusive development.

Wike spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2026 Annual Distinguished Personality Lecture organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences of Yakubu Gowon University.

Delivering a lecture themed “Exemplary Leadership and Infrastructural Development in Nigeria: Between Dividends of Democracy and Good Governance,” the minister said Tinubu’s democratic credentials were forged long before his presidency through years of activism and political risk-taking.

He added that Tinubu’s performance as former governor of Lagos State showed his ability to convert vision into tangible results, particularly in revenue generation, infrastructure expansion and institutional reforms.

According to Wike, the president demonstrated boldness from his first day in office by removing the fuel subsidy, a policy he said previous administrations avoided despite its economic burden.

While acknowledging the short-term hardship caused by the decision, he argued that it had freed up funds for development and helped address unsustainable debt.

“This decision exemplifies leadership willing to endure temporary unpopularity in pursuit of long-term national interest,” he said.

Wike also cited regional development commissions, security reforms and increased investment in the armed forces as part of broader efforts to tackle structural imbalances and strengthen governance.

He stressed, however, that national transformation requires citizens’ cooperation, urging Nigerians to move beyond criticism and embrace collective responsibility.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the lecture series provides a platform for robust debate on leadership and development, while other speakers commended Wike’s stewardship of the FCT, noting improvements in infrastructure and project delivery.

The event drew academics, public officials and stakeholders to discuss governance, democracy and the country’s development trajectory.