Avoid Rivalry, Focus On Service Delivery – Wike Cautions FCTA Mandate Scribes

BY EVELYN DADU, ABUJA – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has warned newly appointed Mandate Secretaries in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to shun rivalry and focus on effective service delivery to the people.

According to him, they must necessarily avoid bickering and work to justify the confidence reposed on them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The Minister, who gave the warning during the official inauguration of the Mandate Secretaries at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)’s Conference Hall said there will be zero tolerance for inter-departmental rivalry and discordant tunes in the current administration.

Clearly stressing the need for them to have robust working relationships and share information on their mandate delivery, Wike challenged them to urgently address issues affecting the effective delivery of services in FCT, especially in terms of contractual and procurement processes.

His words: “Transparency, efficiency, and accountability must become the cornerstones of our Administration. As mandate Secretaries, your role in this journey of transformation is pivotal. You are not only advisors but also leaders and implementers of our policies”.

Urging them to always work for the overall good of the government and FCT residents, the Minister further said; “You must translate our vision into tangible actions that will shape the future of the FCT.

“Our President has entrusted us with the monumental task of rebuilding and developing the FCT into a world class city and to achieve this, we must address several key areas that are essential for the progress of our city and the well-being of our residents.”

He said the FCTA would give due attention to the development of satellite towns, saying there need for the prosperity and well-being of the residents must extend beyond the City Centre with all the nooks and crannies in the FCT experiencing visible progress and development.

He also challenged them on the mission of ensuring improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through innovative strategies that would raise the needed funds to support the developmental agenda.

The Minister, who specifically identified public transportation as a major challenge that must be thoroughly addressed, said no modern city can function effectively and efficiently without a reliable and comprehensive public transportation system, even as he reiterated the administration’s commitment to establishing an integrated and efficient transport system that meets the needs of all residents.

On the environment, Wike said a clean and well-maintained surrounding was not only a reflection of a city’s pride but also a fundamental requirement for a healthy and prosperous community, adding that a clean environment remains a collective responsibility of both government and the citizens.

For him, given that the need for collaboration to ensure a cleaner and greener FCT cannot be overemphasized, there would be close partnerships with law enforcement agencies and communities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all within the territory

“In addition to all these, we will place significant emphasis on the social sector. There is a pressing need to uplift our education, agriculture, and health sectors to world class standards. A well-educated and healthy population is the foundation for any prosperous city, and we must provide our citizens with access to quality education, healthcare, and agricultural opportunities,” he stated.

“Furthermore, our tourism sector holds tremendous potential for economic growth and job creation. We will work diligently to promote and develop our unique cultural and natural assets to attract both local and international visitors, thereby, boosting our economy,” the Minister assured.

On the Abuja Master Plan, the Minister said there is no going back on the plans to decisively address all developmental infractions, adding that non-compliant buildings would be subjected to appropriate tests and measures, including removal and other necessary penalties.

However, he assured that relevant laws would be closely examined and strengthened, and all loopholes urgently addressed to make it impossible for offenders to exploit at the detriment of the Administration and the people.

Those inaugurated include Bitrus Garki, Secretary for Area Council Services Secretariat; Lawan Geidam, in charge of Agriculture and Rural Development; and Danlami Ihayyo, Secretary for Education respectively.