President Bola Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his performance since taking office, describing his efforts to restore order in the nation’s capital as commendable.

The president made the remarks during his first presidential media chat with senior journalists in Lagos on Monday night. Addressing concerns about Wike’s governance style in the FCT, particularly his demolition of illegal structures, allegations of land grabbing, and revocation of land titles, Tinubu defended the minister’s actions.

“Nyesom Wike is a good man; he is a performing minister,” Tinubu said. “Nigerians lack compliance, period! We don’t pay our ground rents on time. We see compliance as inconveniences. I doff my hat for him.”

Tinubu emphasized Wike’s commitment to enforcing regulations in the FCT, a quality he said is often missing in Nigeria.

Wike was appointed Minister of the FCT on August 16, 2023, following his nomination by President Tinubu and subsequent screening and confirmation by the Nigerian Senate. A former governor of Rivers State, Wike was among 28 ministerial nominees submitted to the Senate on July 27, 2023. During his screening, Wike assured lawmakers that the president would not regret his nomination.

“Mr. President will not regret nominating me as a minister in his cabinet,” Wike confidently stated at the time.

Since assuming office, Wike has focused on urban renewal and infrastructural development in the FCT. His policies have drawn both praise for their decisiveness and criticism for their impact on affected residents.