Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has sparked widespread reactions after explaining his reluctance to award contracts to Nigerian contractors. Speaking during the commissioning of a road project in Abuja, Wike praised a local contractor who successfully completed the work, but admitted he had initial doubts due to past experiences.
Wike's Experience with Local Contractors
In a trending video, Wike stated: “I was sceptical of allowing this company to carry out this job. Why? Because of my experience as a local government chairman, as a governor of a state. I've always believed that when you give local contractors money to do work, they start eating the profit before the job is done. And then before you know it, you start to go to the police to arrest [them]. I said, why will I give myself that headache? I will not.”
Wike, who served as chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area and later as governor of Rivers State, is known for commissioning numerous infrastructure projects during his tenure. His comments come as he continues a series of commissioning events across the Nigerian capital.
Nigerians React to Wike's Statement
The minister's remarks have generated a flurry of reactions on social media. A user named Maestro noted that many people only read the caption without watching the full video, missing the context: “A lot of people do not even watch this video to understand. He's actually praising a local contractor for proving him wrong. A break from the norm he's used to.”
Ṣẹ́gun Àtúnwá expressed confidence in Nigerian contractors: “Since project handling requires personnel of integrity, it’s important to note that money changes hands when projects are executed, and that our people must be the sole beneficiaries of this project, which is one of the main reasons Nigerian contractors need to be considered before giving our money away. Some capable Nigerian contractors can handle projects, and they should be sourced with limited political patronage in the selection process to ensure they deliver well.”
Augustine found the minister's words convincing: “I don't fancy the Minister of the FCT, Wike, because of his role in the destruction of the zoning formula of the PDP but his words are usually very convincing.”
Eddy agreed with Wike: “Wike, you nailed it! Local contractors just chop profit finish before work even start. Headache plus police stress no be small thing at all. Better hire serious hands or handle am yourself.”
Wike Charges PDP Candidates on 2027 Elections
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that Nyesom Wike has urged PDP candidates to prepare for a power struggle in the 2027 elections. The former Rivers governor's straightforward comments have sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media. Wike, while speaking at the PDP secretariat, reflected on his past electoral battles, emphasising the need for determination in politics.
The video of Wike's remarks on local contractors continues to trend, with many Nigerians weighing in on the challenges of contract execution in the country.
