PRESIDENT TINUBU CITES FCT’S REMOVAL FROM TREASURY SINGLE ACCOUNT AS CATALYST FOR DEVELOPMENT BOOST
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that the decision to exempt the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) was aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and fostering resident involvement in governance. The President made the remarks during a Sallah homage by FCT residents at the Presidential Villa on Sunday, emphasizing that bureaucratic hurdles under the TSA had hindered progress in the capital city. The explanation was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday. Tinubu disclosed that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had advocated for the policy shift to enable faster execution of projects, leading to visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and security. “I remember the day the FCT Minister approached me, requesting exemption from the TSA to enhance efficiency. After reviewing his plans, we approved the change, and the results have been transformative,” Onanuga quoted the President as saying. Onanuga noted that Tinubu highlighted completed projects, including the Vice President’s official residence, rehabilitation of healthcare centers, and upgrades to school facilities. The President commended Wike for restructuring the FCT public service to empower civil servants and drive leadership accountability. “We celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT, which have revived abandoned projects and expanded rural development,” Tinubu added. The statement further revealed the President’s call for Nigerians to prioritize competence over ethnic or religious considerations in leadership. “Security is improving, hunger is reducing, and unity is strengthening. We seek results, not magic—someone who genuinely cares,” Tinubu asserted. Onanuga emphasized the President’s praise for Wike’s role in promoting national diversity, describing him as a symbol of Nigeria’s collective potential. Onanuga also reported that Wike, leading a delegation of lawmakers, traditional rulers, and civil society groups, thanked Tinubu for hosting the historic visit and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering landmark projects. Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior officials attended the event. Tinubu concluded by urging tolerance and patriotism, drawing lessons from Ramadan. “May the virtues of this sacred period guide our actions and strengthen our resolve,” the President stated.