Dear Wike, what are you doing?

Our dear Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, stands at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge. As the unifying heartbeat of the nation, it requires true leadership to address its urban issues, of which there are many. Over the past few weeks, for a variety of reasons, I have pondered on quite a few of them. But for personal reasons, and even the level of importance to the general populace, I will begin with security. It’s a no-brainer that ensuring the safety of residents and their properties is paramount, so it was expected when one of the things Nyesom Wike did as soon as he took on the mantle of FCT Minister, was to collaborate with security agencies to implement effective security measures. Even his timing showed a great grasp of the pulse of society, as well as the politics of public service.

At a time when ‘One Chance’ criminals became an even bigger scourge of Abuja streets and commuters, Wike’s partnership with security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Army and The National Civil Defence and Security Corps (NSCDC) made a visible difference, as I have personally witnessed their patrols in action. In fact, just a few days ago, I was the beneficiary of the service of the army’s patrol when I ran into a spot of distress on the Maitama part of the Kubwa highway. It’s a story for another day, but I truly felt protected and served, and all done with professionalism. But as the maxim goes, ‘the reward for hard work, is more work’, I believe that the programme should be widened to capture some of the larger inner-city streets, and even beef-up the existing one.

To begin with, a comprehensive approach involving collaboration with law enforcement agencies is essential, and Wike can work closely with security agencies to develop and implement effective strategies for crime prevention, response, and intelligence-gathering. Strengthening community policing initiatives can create a sense of shared responsibility, fostering trust between law enforcement and the public, and ensuring that security efforts are more community-centric. Also, investing in advanced surveillance technology can significantly bolster the city’s security infrastructure. Implementing modern surveillance systems, such as CCTV cameras in strategic locations, can enhance the monitoring and rapid response capabilities of law enforcement agencies. Tech advancements can act as deterrents to criminal activities, and also provide valuable evidence for investigations. The integration of data analytics and AI can aid in predictive policing, allowing authorities to anticipate potential security threats and allocate resources more efficiently.

Fostering collaboration with the private sector can bring additional resources and expertise to the table, and Wike, being equipped with eight years of experience running a complex state like the one he governed, could engage with businesses and private security firms to support initiatives that enhance security measures in Abuja. This collaboration can involve joint ventures for implementing security technology, sponsoring community awareness programs, and providing resources for training and capacity-building programs for security personnel. By forging strong partnerships with both public and private entities, he could create a comprehensive security framework that addresses the diverse challenges faced by the city.

There are more ways to tackle security issues of the FCT, especially with the recent resurgence of kidnappings and attacks in the city’s suburban communities, but again, that’s a topic for another day. There are other issues that need attention as well, like Abuja’s infrastructure, which is the backbone of its functionality. Wike could spearhead a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul, focusing on road networks, public transportation, and utilities. Yeah, yeah, I know some demolition has been done. I’m not talking about the drama of it, but the hard-core prioritization of key projects and establishment of a robust maintenance plan that would ensure sustained development.

Effective urban planning is essential to manage Abuja’s rapid growth, and Wike could advocate for smart urban planning and zoning regulations that prevent haphazard development. Encouraging mixed-use development would create dynamic, walkable communities, reducing congestion and enhancing the city’s liveability. There are environmental challenges, from waste management issues to diminishing green spaces, and Wike could implement and enforce efficient waste management practices, ensuring the city remains clean and sustainable. Initiatives like tree-planting and green infrastructure projects could further enhance Abuja’s aesthetics, and even combat environmental concerns.

A city’s well-being is closely tied to the quality of its public services, so the minister could focus on improving and expanding healthcare and education facilities in Abuja to meet the demands of its growing population. Ensuring accessible, quality services would contribute to the overall health and prosperity of the city. One of the pillars of successful governance is community engagement. He could implement strategies to involve residents in decisionmaking processes, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the city. Public-private partnerships could further strengthen collaboration between the government and the private sector in tackling urban challenges.

To bring Abuja into the 21st century, Wike should champion the integration of innovative technologies by implementing smart city initiatives, such as intelligent traffic management systems and digital governance solutions, could streamline services and enhance the overall efficiency of the city. Also, because Abuja’s rich cultural heritage often takes a backseat to its administrative functions, the minister could promote cultural events, festivals, and tourism initiatives to showcase Abuja’s diverse offerings. There are a number of organically-emerged ones which the FCT could key-in on and partner with. This would not only boost the city’s economy, but also create a more vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere, seeing it go from ‘a city without a soul’ to one that has depth and spirit.

As Abuja stands at a pivotal moment in its history, Wike’s leadership could go either way, but I am particularly hoping it is a catalyst for positive change. By focusing on security, strategic infrastructure development, smart urban planning, environmental sustainability, enhanced public services, community engagement, innovation, and cultural promotion, he could transform Abuja into a model capital city. The challenges are immense, yes, but with a commitment to inclusive development, the future of the city could be brighter than ever. We all want the same thing – and I will not lie; Wike has so far impressed me – but there’s room for even more to be done. After all, our federal capital should be a reflection of the dreams, hopes, and aspirations of Nigerians as a whole.