Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly directed Senate President Godswill Akpabio to cancel a planned international trip in order to complete the commissioning of projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a video shared by TVC on Friday, July 17, 2026, Wike made the remarks during the celebration marking the completion and inauguration of 31 projects executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).ѕєє тнє ν!∂єσ нєяє
Speaking at the event, Wike recounted a humorous exchange involving President Tinubu and the Senate President, explaining that Akpabio had sought the President’s permission to travel abroad for what he described as an important national assignment.
According to Wike, the Senate President had already informed him that the commissioning schedule might need to be adjusted to accommodate the trip. However, he said President Tinubu declined the request and instructed Akpabio to remain in Nigeria until the project inaugurations were completed.
Narrating the incident, Wike said:
“So Mr. Senate President said to Mr. President, ‘Sir, I want to travel for a very important occasion. I want to deliver, I want to do this to represent the country. I’ve spoken to the Honourable Minister that, look, shift this and this and that.’ I was calling my God, ‘God that answereth prayer, you’ll never fail me today.’ He now said President told him, ‘Mr. Senate President, I am the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. By my order, you’ll not go. Go and finish commissioning the projects.’”
The audience responded with laughter as Wike narrated the story, with the FCT minister using the account to highlight the importance President Tinubu attached to the completion and inauguration of infrastructure projects in Abuja.
Continuing his remarks, Wike praised Akpabio for complying with the President’s directive despite his earlier travel plans. He thanked the Senate President for representing the President at the inauguration ceremonies and for participating in activities marking the completion of the projects.
Wike said Akpabio’s presence demonstrated the close working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, adding that such cooperation was essential for the successful implementation of development programmes.
The FCT minister also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support for infrastructure development in the nation’s capital. According to him, the administration’s commitment has enabled the FCT Administration to execute and complete several key projects within a relatively short period.
He noted that the commissioning of the 31 projects reflected the government’s determination to improve road networks, public facilities and other critical infrastructure aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents of Abuja.
