Wike Hails Tinubu’s Infrastructure Reforms, Calls for Continuity at UNIPORT Convocation Lecture

Port Harcourt, June 6, 2026 – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold and transformative infrastructure reforms aimed at driving national development and economic growth.

Speaking at the 36th Convocation Lecture of University of Port Harcourt on Friday, Wike said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated strong political will by prioritising infrastructure development across key sectors of the economy.

Delivering a lecture titled “Leadership and Infrastructure Development in Nigeria: Lessons for Future Leaders,” the FCT Minister said the President’s reforms were rebuilding the nation and addressing longstanding development challenges.

“What we are witnessing today is not politics. It is governance with courage,” Wike said, adding that President Tinubu had chosen the difficult path of reforms in pursuit of sustainable national progress.

According to him in a statement by the Deputy Director, Press, Office of the Minister, Rabi Musa Umar at the weet, infrastructure remains the true measure of lefadership, noting that several major projects are currently receiving attention under the administration. He cited the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, East-West Road, and access roads to the Second Niger Bridge as examples of ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and economic activities across the country.

The Minister also highlighted developments in the rail sector, including the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway corridor and the expansion of standard-gauge rail lines.

In the power sector, Wike pointed to initiatives such as the Presidential Power Initiative in partnership with Siemens, rural electrification programmes, and mass metering projects aimed at improving electricity supply.

He further commended government interventions in the energy sector, including the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative and the National Hydrogen Policy, describing them as strategic steps toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

On economic reforms, Wike defended the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a difficult but necessary decision that prioritises long-term national stability over short-term convenience.

According to him, the policy has increased resources available to both federal and state governments for investment in critical infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other public services.

The FCT Minister also praised initiatives in housing, aviation, broadband expansion, security, and education, noting that the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was helping to expand access to higher education for students across the country.

“Infrastructure is not about flag-offs. It is about finishing. It is about impact. And this President is finishing projects and delivering impact,” he stated.

Wike urged Nigerians to support the administration’s reform agenda, stressing that sustained commitment and policy continuity would be essential to achieving lasting national development.

The convocation lecture formed part of activities marking the University of Port Harcourt’s 36th Convocation Ceremony.