A heated argument broke out at a newspaper stand in the FCT over the weekend, as residents debated flooding, drainage, and the performance of projects under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
The discussion, monitored by our reporter, focused on recent rains that left parts of Banex, Wuse, and the city center waterlogged.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day” vs “The failure is obvious”
One resident defended the administration, saying infrastructure cannot be fixed overnight.
“The country cannot just… we can’t get this right overnight,” he argued, citing ongoing road rehabilitation and street lighting.
The other disagreed, pointing to blocked drains and recurring floods.
“Imagine if the rain intensifies. This shows there is a blockage somewhere. And that’s where FEMA will come in,” he said.
“When it rains, you cannot walk on the road. People are not calling it a project, but I’m seeing petty flooding already.”
Funding, Contracts and Accountability
The debate shifted to project costs and contractors. Critics questioned the award of jobs to foreign firms and the borrowing behind projects like the City Gate upgrade and the new FCT generator.
“It wasn’t even a Nigerian company. I heard it was Julius… Do you know how much they charge? We borrow money. We pay in dollars, not naira,” one said.
The defender said previous governments also borrowed but failed to deliver.
“We are transiting from where monies are voted for projects and they are not done,” he said, adding that he had seen rehabilitated roads in Asokoro and around the Ministry of Women Affairs.
Politics Creeps In
The exchange also touched on 2027. Both men disagreed on who to blame — the FCT Minister, the President, or past administrations.
“Who is your candidate, sir? Let’s talk. Man to man,” one asked.
“I’m still looking at more options,” the other replied, but defended current policies as “unpopular but necessary.”
Common Ground
Despite their differences, both agreed Abuja needs better drainage, accountability, and maintenance.
“What are they paying FEMA for? What’s the solidity of this work?” one asked.
The FCT Administration has not responded to the complaints as of press time.
The debate reflects growing public concern over urban planning and climate resilience in the capital.
