As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that Abuja remains one of the safest places to live in the country, crediting both government interventions and residents’ commitment to peace.
In his Independence Day message, Wike described the FCT as a model of unity and security despite challenges facing other parts of the nation. “Residents have remained intentional about living together in peace and harmony in spite of a few distractions. Consequently, the FCT has become one of the most peaceful places to reside in the entire country,” he said.
The minister attributed the relative calm to collaborative security measures between the FCT Administration and law enforcement agencies, as well as the “zero tolerance of residents for insecurity.” He commended citizens for their vigilance and urged them to continue reporting suspicious activities to strengthen law and order.
Wike also linked Abuja’s stability to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has brought “unprecedented development and security measures” to the capital. According to him, recent interventions have included school and hospital reconstructions, strategic road projects, youth and women empowerment, and support for farmers, all of which are boosting the local economy and improving living standards.
Looking ahead to the February 2026 area council elections, Wike appealed to residents to maintain Abuja’s reputation for peace by campaigning responsibly and voting wisely. “I implore residents to go about campaigning for candidates of their choice in a peaceful and orderly manner. I also encourage everyone to come out en masse to vote for leaders who have vision and capacity to attract development,” he said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s broader challenges, Wike maintained that Abuja’s security record demonstrates the progress possible when citizens and government work hand in hand.