Democracy must deliver roads, services — Wike tells University of Abuja audience

2026-02-17 - 12:49

By Idowu Bankole ABUJA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said Nigeria’s democracy should be judged by its ability to deliver functional infrastructure and public services, rather than by elections alone. Wike made the remarks while delivering a Distinguished Personality Lecture at University of Abuja, where he addressed students, academics and policymakers on the theme “The Impact of Political Leadership on Infrastructural Development in Nigeria: Between Dividends of Democracy and Good Governance.” He argued that democratic governance must translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives, describing democracy as a social contract anchored on accountability, transparency and participation. “For the ordinary citizen, democracy must translate into roads that work, schools that inspire, hospitals that heal, and opportunities that uplift,” the minister said, adding that infrastructure remains the most visible indicator of governance performance. Leadership and Development Linking infrastructure deficits to leadership challenges, Wike echoed views long expressed by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, who attributed national development struggles to failures in leadership. He said political leadership bridges democratic ideals and economic progress by determining how effectively institutions and resources function. Quoting democracy scholar Larry Diamond, Wike added that sustaining democratic systems requires commitment to institutional development beyond electoral processes. Policy Direction and Reforms The minister pointed to reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including subsidy removal and decentralised development initiatives, as efforts aimed at restructuring the country’s economy and governance framework. He said such measures reflect leadership prepared to pursue long-term national interest despite short-term challenges. FCT Projects as Example Citing ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, Wike highlighted investments in road networks, urban renewal and satellite town inclusion. He said Abuja’s development demonstrates how focused governance can translate democratic authority into practical outcomes. According to him, infrastructure delivery within transparent institutional frameworks provides what he described as a “visible lesson in ethical leadership.” Role of Universities Wike also urged universities to foster civic awareness and accountability, saying higher education institutions should prepare students to engage constructively in nation-building and defend democratic norms. He referenced global leadership examples, including that of Nelson Mandela, to emphasise the importance of collective responsibility between leaders and citizens. He concluded that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on ethical leadership, active citizenship and infrastructure that enhances living standards, urging continued dialogue on governance reforms. The lecture formed part of the University of Abuja’s academic series promoting engagement between public officials and the academic community on national development issues. Vanguard News Nigeria