Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained the rationale behind exempting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), stating that the move was necessary to expedite infrastructural development and enhance governance in the nation's capital.
According to a statement today by his Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President made this disclosure on Sunday while receiving a delegation of FCT residents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja for the traditional Sallah homage. The delegation was led by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
According to President Tinubu, the bureaucracy associated with the TSA was impeding the rapid development of infrastructure in the FCT. He noted that since the exemption, the city has witnessed accelerated progress, including improved healthcare services and enhanced security measures.
"I remember the day the FCT Minister came to me and requested to be taken out of the TSA to facilitate more developmental projects. I asked him to present his plans, and after reviewing them, I approved the request. Since then, we have seen remarkable changes," President Tinubu said.
He highlighted the completion of long-abandoned projects such as the Vice President’s official residence, the resuscitation of rural development initiatives, and the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities. The President also commended Wike for his effective governance and restructuring of the FCT’s civil service, allowing officials to aspire to leadership positions.
"We wouldn’t be celebrating today if not for the progressive ideas brought to the FCT. We can now appreciate the innovative solutions that have propelled the city’s transformation," Tinubu remarked.
The President urged FCT residents and all Nigerians to prioritize competence and results over ethnic and religious sentiments when choosing leaders. He emphasized that security is improving, food prices are stabilizing, and the economy is gradually recovering.
"We are not looking for magic, but for tangible results. We seek comfort, good health, and leaders who genuinely care about the people," he said.
Tinubu praised Wike for his commitment to national unity, describing him as an example of how Nigeria’s diversity can be harnessed for progress. "This is not about Wike or me alone; it is a collective effort. Wike has demonstrated that regardless of our backgrounds, we can work together for development," he added.
The President also called for greater tolerance and national unity, noting that lessons from Ramadan should continue to guide citizens in fostering peace and cooperation.
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed gratitude to the President for hosting the delegation, describing the visit as historic. He pledged his unwavering loyalty to Tinubu’s administration and reiterated his commitment to fast-tracking development in the FCT.
"This is the first time FCT residents are meeting with the President for Sallah homage. We are delighted to be here and to reaffirm our support for your Renewed Hope Agenda," Wike stated.
He assured the President that numerous development projects in the FCT would be completed soon, underscoring the administration’s resolve to transform the capital city.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, members of the National Assembly, judiciary officials, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs, and representatives of women and youth groups.
