ABUJA, Nigeria — A Nigerian lawyer has called on President Bola Tinubu to redeploy Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike to the Ministry of Transportation, arguing that his record of delivering infrastructure projects in Abuja makes him the right candidate to lead a “railway revolution.”
Human rights lawyer Ikenna Ahumibe made the appeal Wednesday in Abuja, saying Wike’s rapid execution of projects in the capital demonstrates the leadership and efficiency needed to modernize Nigeria’s railway system. “Wike stands out as one of the administration’s best-performing officials and possesses the ability to link all states in the federation with railway lines,” Ahumibe said.
He argued that an expanded rail network would boost economic growth, facilitate interstate commerce, reduce costs, create jobs, and strengthen national integration. Ahumibe acknowledged Wike’s controversial political reputation but insisted his competence in project delivery cannot be overlooked.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has overseen major road and infrastructure projects in Abuja since his appointment in 2023. Supporters say his redeployment could accelerate Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, while critics caution that his political style may spark tensions in a ministry that requires broad consensus.
Nigeria’s railway sector has long struggled with underinvestment and stalled projects. Recent efforts, including the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail lines, have faced challenges ranging from funding gaps to security threats. Calls for stronger leadership in the transport ministry have grown as the government seeks to expand rail connectivity nationwide.
On social media, reactions were mixed. Some commentators praised the idea, describing Wike as “a bulldozer” who could deliver results quickly. Others questioned whether moving him from the FCT ministry would disrupt ongoing projects in Abuja. Civil society groups stressed that beyond leadership, Nigeria’s rail sector requires sustained funding, transparency, and public-private partnerships.
Stakeholders in the transport industry welcomed the debate, noting that redeploying proven leaders to strategic sectors could help unlock Nigeria’s economic potential. Analysts said the suggestion reflects broader public frustration with slow progress in infrastructure development.
The presidency has not commented on the proposal.
