Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike says his commitment to financial discipline has made him unpopular among some civil servants, arguing that his administration has curtailed practices that enabled the misuse of public funds.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike said funds previously lost through wasteful spending are now being redirected to roads and other infrastructure projects across the FCT. He maintained that public resources should be used for projects that directly benefit residents rather than unnecessary government activities.
The minister criticised requests for official foreign trips, particularly conferences he believes offer little value. He argued that officials seeking knowledge on land administration should study successful and unsuccessful practices in Nigerian cities such as Lagos and Port Harcourt instead of attending expensive overseas programmes.
“We waste our resources on frivolities. You expect me to approve funds for you to go for a conference in America on land administration… How do you encourage me to sign N20 million to travel to America for a conference of one week for land administration? I won’t do that,” Wike said.
He reaffirmed that his administration will continue to scrutinise expenditure requests to ensure transparency, accountability and prudent management of public funds.
