President Bola Tinubu has justified his administration’s decision to remove the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), stating that the move was necessary to fast-track development and improve governance.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Sunday, during a Sallah homage by FCT residents led by Minister Nyesom Wike, Tinubu explained that bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with the TSA had been slowing infrastructure growth in the capital.
He credited the policy shift with driving significant progress in the city.
“I remember the day the FCT Minister came to me and said, ‘Please take us out of the TSA so I can achieve more.’ He presented his vision, and I approved.
“Since then, we have seen rapid changes—rural areas opening up, abandoned projects being revived, and the Vice President’s official residence finally completed after years of neglect,” Tinubu said.
The President also highlighted improvements in healthcare, education, and security, attributing them to the flexibility gained by exempting the FCT from TSA constraints.
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Tinubu praised Wike’s leadership, saying, “We wouldn’t have been able to celebrate these achievements without the progressive ideas you brought to the FCT. You have restructured the public service, giving civil servants room to grow and lead.”
The President urged Nigerians to focus on results rather than ethnic and religious divisions when assessing leadership.
He expressed optimism about the country’s trajectory, noting that security was improving and food prices were declining.
“We are not looking for magic; we are looking for results and comfort. We are praying for good health and leadership that truly cares,” he stated.
Wike in his remarks, thanked the President for his support and assured him of continued efforts to develop the capital.
“This is a historic moment—the first time FCT residents are personally extending Sallah greetings to the President. We are committed to completing many ongoing projects and delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Wike said.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, as well as members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs, and women and youth groups.
