President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Abuja said that his administration removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to expedite development and enhance resident participation in governance.
President Tinubu said the bureaucracy associated with the TSA was hampering infrastructure growth in the nation’s capital thus, had to be reviewed for impact and progress.
Tinubu, who stated these when he received in audience residents of the FCT led by the Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa for Sallah homage, highlighted that freeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has swiftly catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.
He said; “I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more. I said show me what you are about to do, and he presented his thinking and belief.
“And everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence that was abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for school children, and provided furniture”.
The President thanked the FCT Minister for proving that liberation from the bureaucracy was necessary and for restructuring the FCT public service so that civil servants could aspire to higher positions and provide leadership.
Tinubu further said; “We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not because of the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT”.
President Tinubu urged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious colourations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.
According to Tinubu; “Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.
“We are not looking for magic. We are looking for results. We are looking for comfort. We are praying for good health. We are looking for someone who cares,” the President noted.
“The job is not just about Wike or me, but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof,” he said.
The President also called for more tolerance, broadmindedness and patriotism, saying; “All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far. We have learnt some lessons from Ramadan. May the lessons continue to be with us”.
Earlier, the FCT minister thanked the President for hosting the residents in the State House, saying that the visit marked a historic moment as it is the first time the FCT residents can extend their greetings and best wishes to the President in person during this blessed period.
Wike pledged his loyalty to the President just as he committed himself to developing the capital city, and assured that the FCT would soon complete many projects.
Wike said; “Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda”.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris among others.
The FCT delegation included members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs and women and youth groups.
