Nyesom Wike identifies leadership challenges in Nigeria

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pointed to leadership as a key issue facing Nigeria. He made this observation in the context of an unimplemented law that establishes a civil service commission for the FCT.

During a press conference on Friday, Wike mentioned that the law, which was designed to create a civil service commission for the FCT, had been passed by the National Assembly in 2018 and was assented to by the former Vice-President, Osinbajo, during his tenure as acting president. However, despite the existence of this law, its implementation has not yet occurred.

Wike emphasized that part of Nigeria’s problems lies in leadership and the lack of willingness to take action. He noted that not all actions taken will make everyone happy, but it is essential to address these issues, even if it means reducing individual powers.

He cited the case of the FCT’s civil service commission law, which has not been implemented due to a lack of political will. Wike urged the importance of upholding the law and respecting the institution rather than personal interests. He highlighted that both ministers and heads of service come and go, but the law remains, and if it has been passed and assented to by the President, it should be duly implemented.