President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday said he removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to accelerate development and increase resident participation in governance
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a Sallah homage by FCT residents, President Tinubu explained that the bureaucratic constraints of the TSA had been a significant hindrance to infrastructure development in the capital.
Tinubu,in statement through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. “Freeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has swiftly catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures,” he stated.
President Tinubu recounted a meeting with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who advocated for the FCT’s exemption from the TSA to enable more effective governance.
“Everything started changing rapidly,” Tinubu said, highlighting the opening of rural areas, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence, among other achievements.
The President also praised Minister Wike for his leadership in restructuring the FCT’s public service, enabling civil servants to aspire to higher roles.
“We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” he added, encouraging residents to focus on leadership results rather than ethnic or religious affiliations.
Tinubu emphasized the improvements in security and economic conditions, noting, “Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering.”
The President also called for tolerance and patriotism, drawing lessons from the recent Ramadan period. “All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far,” he concluded.
FCT Minister Wike expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with the President, marking the occasion as historic.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the development of the capital and support for the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The event was attended by high-profile officials including Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, along with a diverse delegation from the FCT including members of the National Assembly, judiciary, and various community leaders.