By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says his administration is ready to allocate land to genuine farmers willing to delve into agricultural endeavour across Abuja’s rural communities, saying the move will help address issues affecting food security in the country.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed 15-kilometre road linking A2 Junction to Pai Town in Kwali Area Council, Wike said the FCT Administration is also prepared to pay compensation to host communities in order to free up farmlands for serious agricultural activities.
He, however, warned that the administration would not tolerate speculators posing as farmers in a bid to profit from public infrastructure.
“And look at the vast area of land. We are talking about food security, food security. With this, those of you who want to be farmers. Real farmers. We are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmland, so that we will come out of the food problem, which the federal government is trying to solve. But real farmers, not those who will keep the land as speculators and then, when they know that much development has come, they start going to sell the land.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who commissioned the project, backed the minister’s position and said the administration would continue to convert disadvantages into platforms for opportunities and economic growth.
He said, “On our way here, we saw opportunities, prosperity, and the need for the establishment of ranches and rural development to uplift the lives of our rural people.”
The President, who arrived from another agricultural mechanisation event added that, “On my way here, I observed the need for our great farmers and livestock owners to establish opportunities for grazing and do what is necessary. We will help you. We will work with you.
“We will convert what used to be a liability and a source of conflict, turning it into a means of prosperity.”
Tinubu also praised the FCT Minister for extending development to underserved communities and said infrastructure must serve people where they live and work not just in city centres.
He said the Pai road symbolised a shift in focus to rural Nigerians who had long been excluded from the benefits of government infrastructure.
“A leader like Barrister Nyesom Wike and his team is doing a wonderful job, thinking about the people and their needs, and thinking about the country he represents. This project will continue to elevate our lives if this administration continues to prioritize infrastructure development in all zones. We will ensure that development is not lopsided but balanced, inclusive, and targets lifting lives.”
The President described rural communities such as Pai as vital to Nigeria’s food economy but long neglected due to poor road access and official inattention.
“Rural communities such as Pai make an important contribution to Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, especially in food production and local enterprises, but their potential has been hindered by poor road access, isolation, and neglect for far too long. Today, that narrative is changing.”
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had earlier disclosed that the Pai road is one of six rural projects approved by President Tinubu in 2024 under an emergency infrastructure package covering all six area councils. He said all six roads have now been completed and commissioned, with over 150 kilometres of rural roads delivered or ongoing across the territory.
Wike said the Pai–Gomani–Yangoji axis alone would deliver 45 kilometres of rural linkage, adding that a total of 150 kilometres of road have either been completed or are nearing completion under Tinubu’s first year in office.
“Your Excellency, recall that when we were appointed in August 2023, in your supplementary budget you included to our request, emergency roads, and funds were provided in the national budget. Six emergency roads, and you provided funds. I want to inform you that all those roads have all been commissioned.”
He listed projects across the six area councils, including Saburi, Gwagwalada, Kuje, AMAC, Kwali and Bwari, and noted that several new roads would be commissioned under the President’s second-year anniversary programme.
Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, while commending the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for prioritizing the needs of the rural communities, stressed that his leadership would continue to inspire progress and unity across all regions.
She also applauded the FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his tireless commitment to transforming Abuja into a modern, connected, and inclusive capital.
Mahmoud noted that the road project would open up Pai town and its surrounding communities to economic opportunities, enhancing access to healthcare, education, and markets.
