President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to respect and comply with all directives issued by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, affirming the minister’s authority over administrative matters within the territory.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday during the commissioning ceremony of the newly rehabilitated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja. While commending the minister for the facelift of the iconic facility, Tinubu described Wike as the “landlord” of the Federal Capital, whose decisions must be adhered to by all stakeholders.
His comments came in response to Wike’s recent declaration that the use of the ICC would now follow a more structured and revenue-driven approach. The minister had stated that the era of freely using the conference centre for events or ceremonies without due process was over. According to him, individuals, groups, or organisations wishing to access the venue must henceforth channel their requests properly and make the required payments.
Reinforcing Wike’s position, President Tinubu said the minister’s policies and regulations carry full presidential backing. He further appealed to Abuja residents to be law-abiding and cooperative with the administration’s reform efforts.
“Today, as we gather to celebrate the reopening of this important national facility, I say once again to all of you — Barka D’Sallah. And let me remind you: you must obey what the landlord says,” Tinubu stated pointedly, drawing applause from dignitaries and guests at the event.
The President’s endorsement of Wike’s stance is seen as a strong signal of his administration’s commitment to orderliness, accountability, and infrastructure maintenance within the capital city. Wike, since assuming office as FCT Minister, has pushed several reforms aimed at revenue generation, urban sanitation, and public asset preservation — often sparking public debates over his style.
With this latest declaration from the Presidency, it is now clear that the minister’s directives on public facility usage and broader urban governance in Abuja enjoy firm presidential support.
