Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has issued a stern warning to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, against the unauthorised and allegedly monetised naming of streets and roads constructed by the FCT Administration.

He gave the warning at the flag-off ceremony for the provision of engineering infrastructure to outstanding layouts in Guzape AO9 and the AIT neighbourhood in Asokoro AO4, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

The minister expressed strong disapproval of Area Council officials naming streets after individuals who pay money, a practice he tagged as unacceptable. “We cannot be constructing roads and providing infrastructure, then you wake up in the morning, before I wake up, you name the streets or the roads we are doing, the roads we are funding. I mean, it is very, very funny,” Wike said. He elaborated, “You wake up; when somebody writes to you and pays you money, before you know it, it’s Dr. So-So Street, Professor So-So Street, Bishop So-So Street, and Madam So-So Street on a road we are struggling to find money to provide infrastructure. Better go and refund them their money.”

Wike declared an end to the era of such naming rights. “We have to name streets after those who have contributed to the development of the area. You don’t just wake up because somebody has N2 million, he pays you, then you come and name a street after him. That is not possible. You can go and name them in the satellite towns… But in the city here, the government must know who you are naming the street after,” he warned, adding, “You don’t just name streets after somebody when you don’t know where the money comes from. We will not do that again. I have forgiven you till yesterday, but from today, I won’t forgive you again.”

He further emphasised that naming streets within the city centre should be a dignified process honouring those who have genuinely contributed to national or community development rather than being subject to financial inducements. “Government must know who you are naming the street after, in order to immortalise and remember them for what they have done for the country… If there are people who have paid you money, make sure you do the roads too. Provide infrastructure and name the street after them.”

The minister disclosed his personal experience with the issue, noting that even his residence was not exempt from unauthorised naming: “Even where I am living, I woke up one early morning and saw the name of somebody. I said, as a Minister, I am living here. That is not the way it is supposed to be.” He envisioned future street naming honouring public figures such as footballers and other outstanding sports figures who contribute positively to the country and city.

Switching focus back to the project, Wike flagged off the construction of engineering infrastructure in Guzape AO9 Lots I & II and the AIT neighbourhood in Asokoro AO4, declaring that residents can now breathe a sigh of relief. He praised the transformational impact of the project under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying, “When I saw AO9, I remembered that as a minister, I signed CFOs that covers AO9… this project will impact the residents here who have been waiting years without roads. Now, there is a road. Would they say it has no impact at all? The truth must be told.”

Wike reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing infrastructure that meets global standards and urged residents to support timely project completion.

He cautioned the contractor, Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company, to deliver on schedule and encouraged the hiring of local youth to boost livelihoods. “I have no confidence in you that you deliver on schedule. I want to advise you, use your experience to complete these jobs on time so that our people will benefit,” he said.

The project’s scope includes about 24 short routes totalling 9.2 kilometres with drainage, street lighting, power supply, and telecommunications infrastructure to enhance connectivity and security.

Wike also called for greater transparency and accountability in other sectors, challenging officials to report on school rehabilitation and other community projects. He concluded with a broader developmental vision catered to reigniting hope in residents through impactful service across transport, education, and health sectors.

FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud also spoke at the event, lauding President Tinubu’s vision of ensuring every district in the FCT is accessible and well-serviced. She described the project as “of immense importance,” noting that the road networks and associated infrastructure will open up these districts for development, reduce travel time, and decongest adjoining routes. Mahmoud commended the National Assembly for their support and praised Wike’s dynamic leadership dedicated to ensuring visible government impact in communities. (Daily Sun)