The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the party was blocked from accessing Eagle Square in Abuja. He also moved to allay public concerns over recent structural damage to the Kugbo Bus Terminal caused by a windstorm.
Wike spoke on Monday during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in the nation’s capital.
The minister described the ADC’s claims of politically motivated denial of access to Eagle Square as “unfounded,” attributing them to an attempt to gain public sympathy. He stressed that no formal application had been received from any of the parties raising the alarm.
“We do not deny access; these events actually generate revenue for the government,” Wike said. “Who denied them? I am not aware of any such development, and I don’t even know which party you are referring to. If it is the African Democratic Congress, such claims are their usual attempt to gain public sympathy.”
He explained that the use of Eagle Square is subject to due process, which includes a formal application through the Abuja Investments Company Limited (AICL)—the agency in charge of the facility—and the payment of required fees.
Wike also clarified that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome is not under the FCT Administration but under the National Sports Commission (NSC).
“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the APC used the venue and the PDP used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access if the rules are followed,” he added.
The minister also addressed growing public anxiety over the condition of the Kugbo Bus Terminal, following a recent windstorm that damaged parts of the facility. Wike clarified that the severe storm had torn off roofing sheets—a consequence, he explained, of the building’s elevated terrain—but insisted the main structure remains sound.
He confirmed that repairs are already underway and urged the public to disregard any narrative of a collapse, stressing that no lives were lost.
On the infrastructure front, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work across several project sites and announced firm completion timelines. Road works are expected to be completed by May 15, with full installation of streetlights following by May 31.
The minister also visited the Wassa artisan site—a purpose-built hub designed to permanently relocate mechanics and informal sector operators who have long operated without dedicated facilities.
“Successive administrations have promised this relocation, but we are finally fulfilling that commitment,” Wike stated. He said the government is already working out the modalities for moving artisans into the new facility, and credited the overall pace of delivery across projects to what he called a “mutual commitment”—one in which contractors meet deadlines and the government, in turn, ensures they are paid promptly.