Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has sparked widespread discussion after he declined to drink tap water during the official commissioning of the newly completed Karu Water Supply Network in Abuja. The incident took place on Monday, June 22, 2026, at a ceremony attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima as the Special Guest of Honour.
What happened at the commissioning
Following the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, organizers distributed glasses of water to Vice President Shettima, Minister Wike, and other top dignitaries. The officials were expected to sample the water directly from the newly commissioned taps to demonstrate its safety and quality. Vice President Shettima and several other officials fetched and drank the water without hesitation. However, Wike filled his glass but declined to drink it.
The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, triggering mixed reactions from Nigerians online.
Mixed reactions from the public
Some Nigerians argue that the Minister's refusal to drink signals a lack of confidence in the quality and safety of the public water supply being delivered to residents. Others suggested it was a personal health preference or a routine security precaution. The video was shared by Linda Ikeji on Instagram on June 24, 2026, with the caption: "Watch moment Wike declined to drink tap water at the commissioning of the newly completed Water Supply Network in Abuja."
According to the post, the incident has left many questioning the minister's trust in the project he was inaugurating.
