Wike Flags Critical Security, Health Issues in FCT

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning regarding the pressing security and health challenges currently confronting Nigeria’s capital city.

He stressed that these issues are of such magnitude and complexity that they require immediate and coordinated national intervention.

During a detailed budget defence presentation before the Senate on Wednesday, Minister Wike highlighted the unique and critical role the Federal Capital Territory plays as the seat of the nation’s government and as the host of numerous foreign diplomatic missions.

He underscored that the nature of the FCT demands a comprehensive and well-coordinated approach to security management that goes beyond the capacity of local authorities alone.

He elaborated on the unique status of the FCT, pointing out that it houses the President’s residence, the headquarters of the Inspector-General of Police, the National Security Adviser, and the offices of all key corporate and governmental leadership.

Given this concentration of national leadership, Wike emphasized that the security challenges faced by the capital city are inherently national concerns, making it impossible for the FCT administration to address these challenges in isolation.

“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 operates from,” Wike stated emphatically. He made it clear that the security of Abuja, as Nigeria’s capital, is intertwined with the safety and stability of the entire nation and, therefore, demands active involvement from all national security stakeholders.

In line with this view, the Minister revealed that the FCT administration is currently working closely with key federal security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS). This collaboration aims to build a robust, integrated security architecture that will effectively safeguard the capital from internal and external threats.

“This city requires total security architecture because of its national importance,” Wike said. “We have begun serious collaboration with national security agencies. We can’t afford failure in this area.” His words stressed the critical need for unity and resource pooling among security bodies to prevent lapses that could have far-reaching consequences for the country.

Wike also raised concerns about the lack of an effective surveillance infrastructure within the FCT. He pointed to the absence of a functional Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system, which he described as a major gap in the security framework of the capital.

The Minister attributed this deficiency to a combination of political interference, bureaucratic delays, and, in some cases, deliberate sabotage by individuals with vested interests.

“You wonder why we still can’t have effective CCTV coverage in the capital. Sometimes, it is internal politics, sometimes it is outright sabotage. Even when projects are approved, you find people who deliberately frustrate implementation,” he lamented. This highlights the internal challenges faced in executing critical security projects, despite clear recognition of their importance.

On the issue of autonomy for the FCT, a topic frequently discussed in political circles, Minister Wike advised caution. He warned against simplistic approaches that ignore the legal and constitutional framework that governs the Federal Capital Territory.

Unlike Nigerian states, the FCT does not have a House of Assembly, and its laws are enacted by the National Assembly. This distinct constitutional arrangement means that the idea of full autonomy for the FCT cannot be pursued without addressing these foundational legal constraints.

“The FCT is not like any other state. You don’t have a House of Assembly here. Our laws are made by the National Assembly. This setup is by design and cannot be wished away,” he explained. This clarification served to ground the debate on FCT autonomy within the realities of Nigeria’s constitutional architecture.

To address the multifaceted challenges facing the FCT, Minister Wike proposed convening a multi-sectoral summit. This summit would bring together representatives from security agencies, health institutions, and other relevant stakeholders within the FCT to develop coordinated and comprehensive strategies. He stressed that the complexity of the problems means that no single entity can solve them alone; collaboration and joint effort are essential.

“The issues we face here are complicated and cannot be solved in isolation. We need a coordinated effort that brings all stakeholders together,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of inclusive dialogue and partnership.

On the healthcare front, Minister Wike announced significant advancements aimed at improving medical services in the FCT. He revealed that the procurement process for state-of-the-art medical equipment—specifically advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanners—has been completed. These diagnostic tools are expected to be delivered soon to health facilities within the territory, marking a major step toward enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare.

“As of yesterday (Tuesday), we completed procurement processes for an MRI and CT scan machine. These will be delivered to our health facilities soon,” he informed the Senate. This initiative forms part of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s ongoing efforts to upgrade medical infrastructure and ensure that residents have access to modern, life-saving diagnostic technologies.

Minister Wike’s address underscored the urgent need for a unified national response to the security and health challenges confronting Abuja. His call for collaboration across federal agencies and stakeholders reflects the critical importance of the Federal Capital Territory, not only as the political nerve center of Nigeria but also as a community whose wellbeing is essential for national stability and progress.