Chairman of Synergy Infrastructure Development and Investment Ltd, Alhassan Dantata, has lauded Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the infrastructure overhaul in Abuja, setting a new benchmark for African cities.
Mr Dantata, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the company, gave the commendation on the sidelines of the inauguration of National Library of Nigeria Endowment Foundation on Thursday in Abuja
Pledging support to Mr Wike’s political movement, Mr Dantata said that no leader in modern Nigerian history has demonstrated as much commitment and positive audacity toward realising the Abuja Master Plan as the current administration.
He highlighted the stark disparity between the capital’s original design and its historical execution, noting the significant gaps left by previous administrations prior to the current infrastructure push.
According to him, Abuja was originally designed with 93 districts, but before Mr Wike assumed office, only 11 had been developed, leaving the vast majority of the capital short of its master plan vision.
Reflecting on his personal experience as a long-time resident of the FCT, Mr Dantata stressed the sheer scale and rapid pace of the recent physical changes across the city’s landscape.
He said, “Having lived in Abuja for over 15 years, the transformation is so vast that even I need to use Google Maps to find my way around now. That is what leadership should look like — no stories, claims, or counterclaims.”
Mr Dantata, however, said that as the capital city of the largest Black nation in the world, Abuja must showcase Nigeria’s true potential to the international community.
Addressing detractors of the current urban renewal efforts, Mr Dantata challenged critics to a public debate backed by facts, asserting that Mr Wike’s work stands as a lasting legacy for himself and President Bola Tinubu.
Beyond praising current developments, the businessman outlined strategic proposals to further elevate the city’s infrastructure and sustainability profile through renewable energy and improved transport routes.
Mr Dantata suggested leveraging Abuja’s distinct topography by installing wind turbines along the prominent hills of Mpape, Gwarinpa, and Guzape to transition Abuja into a true green city powered by renewable energy rather than relying solely on the conventional grid.
To boost vitality and high-rise commercial development in the city centre, he appealed to Mr Wike to construct two key bridges over the valley along Hospital Avenue North and Hospital Avenue South.
He explained that the bridges would connect the routes directly from the valley to the ministries, to unlock seamless access to the Three Arms Zone and Central Business District.
Mr Dantata noted that despite being strictly a businessman with no political affiliations or personal ties to Mr Tinubu, he stands ready to work with and support Mr Wike wholeheartedly in any future political position he contests.
(NAN)