The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said his decision to cut what he considers wasteful government spending is the reason he is unpopular among many civil servants.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike explained that his administration redirected funds previously allocated to recurrent expenses and official trips toward infrastructure projects, particularly road construction.
According to the minister, he restructured the FCT budget after assuming office by allocating 70 per cent to capital projects and 30 per cent to recurrent expenditure, replacing what he described as an unsustainable spending pattern.
Wike argued that excessive spending on conferences, especially foreign trips, had become a channel for mismanaging public funds. He maintained that such resources would have a greater impact if invested in projects that directly benefit residents.
He questioned the value of approving large sums for overseas conferences on issues such as land administration, insisting that government officials could instead study successful models within Nigeria at a lower cost.
The minister said he would not approve millions of naira for foreign conferences when the same funds could be used to improve roads and other essential infrastructure across the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike acknowledged that his policies have affected those who previously benefited from such expenditures, adding that this has contributed to his strained relationship with some civil servants.
Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has focused on infrastructure development, urban renewal and reforms aimed at improving service delivery in the FCT. His administration has also implemented measures to reduce recurrent spending while increasing investment in capital projects.
The former Rivers State governor has also pursued reforms in land administration and enforcement against illegal structures, moves that have generated mixed reactions among stakeholders.
