Abuja, Nigeria — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Wednesday condemned what he called the “unauthorised and arbitrary” naming of streets in Abuja’s city centre, warning the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to halt the practice immediately.
Speaking at the inauguration of engineering infrastructure for outstanding layouts in Guzape within the Asokoro District, Wike cautioned AMAC Chairman Christopher Maikalangu to desist from christening roads delivered and funded by the FCT Administration (FCTA), especially in cases where names are allegedly exchanged for cash.
“We cannot be constructing roads and providing infrastructure, then you wake up one morning and name them after people that do not merit them,” the minister said. “It is unacceptable for people to write you, pay you money, and you name streets that the FCTA is struggling to fund, after them. If you have collected such money, I will advise that you better refund them.”
Wike said street naming in the capital’s core districts must remain a “dignified process” reserved for individuals and institutions with verifiable contributions to national or community development, not “the highest bidder.” He signalled stricter enforcement of existing protocols and hinted at possible sanctions for breaches.
On the project side, Wike reiterated the administration’s pledge to accelerate basic infrastructure delivery so Abuja can “compete with other cities of the world.” He framed the Guzape works as part of a broader push to open districts, improve mobility, and unlock development.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said President Bola Tinubu’s vision of making every district accessible continues to drive the FCTA’s rollout. Beyond opening new growth corridors, she noted, the network will reduce travel times and ease congestion on adjoining routes.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the contract—awarded in March to Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company—carries an 18-month delivery timeline. The scope covers roughly 24 short routes totalling about 9.2km, including earthworks, asphalt surfacing, stormwater drainage, and culverts. It also incorporates utility backbones: a drainage network, potable water distribution, street lighting, power supply, and telecom ducts.
Wike’s remarks sharpen a long-running fault line between the FCTA’s mandate over the Federal Capital City and the area councils’ roles at the periphery. By flagging naming rights and procurement integrity in the city centre, the minister signalled his administration’s intent to defend standards, protect public assets, and curb practices that could dilute Abuja’s planning ethos.
