Dantata: Wike Among Africa’s Best in Infrastructure Development

 By Genesis Ogiri 

ABUJA — Businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Alhassan Amadu Dantata, has declared that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has distinguished himself as one of Africa’s foremost drivers of infrastructure development, saying his assessment of the minister goes beyond partisan politics.

Dantata spoke on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while interacting with journalists on the sidelines of the unveiling of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN) Endowment Foundation at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Auditorium, Maitama, Abuja. The event brought stakeholders together to mobilise sustainable support for the development, digitisation and preservation of Nigeria’s documentary heritage.

According to him, “I am not a politician, but beyond politics, Wike is the best in Africa and the best for the nation. I support him anywhere he goes.” He linked his position to what he described as the scale, visibility and transformative character of infrastructure development taking place across the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking on Abuja’s development trajectory, Dantata commended Wike for what he described as a far-reaching transformation of the nation’s capital, particularly through the expansion of road networks, improved inter-district connectivity and renewed attention to previously underserved areas. He said the infrastructure drive had given fresh momentum to the physical expansion and functional integration of Abuja.

Dantata said Wike’s interventions had accelerated the implementation of key elements of the Abuja Master Plan, with new road corridors, bridges, district infrastructure and access routes opening up areas previously constrained by inadequate connectivity. He said the development was gradually reshaping the spatial character of the capital and strengthening linkages between emerging districts and established administrative and commercial centres.

According to him, Abuja was originally planned with about 93 districts, but only 11 had been developed before Wike assumed office as FCT Minister. Dantata said the current pace of infrastructure expansion was therefore significant, particularly in the context of efforts to extend the city beyond its traditional administrative core and unlock the development potential of emerging districts.

Dantata, who said he had lived in Abuja for more than 15 years, remarked that the physical transformation of the capital had been so extensive that he sometimes needed Google Maps to navigate parts of the city. He, however, called for sustained investment in strategic infrastructure to ensure that Abuja’s roads, mobility systems, public facilities and urban architecture continue to correspond with its status as Nigeria’s capital.

He proposed the construction of two bridges around Hospital Avenue North and Hospital Avenue South to improve connectivity from the valley towards the Ministries, Three Arms Zone and Central Business District. He also advocated the utilisation of suitable hills around Mpape, Gwarinpa and Guzape for wind turbines as part of a broader strategy to diversify the FCT’s energy mix and strengthen renewable-energy generation.

As Chief Launcher of the foundation, Dantata, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Synergy Infrastructure Development and Investment Limited, announced fresh financial commitments to the National Library, pledging ₦25 million annually for the rest of his life, alongside a further commitment of ₦100 million annually for three years, amounting to ₦300 million.

Dantata said he had been involved in advocacy for the National Library for about eight years, describing the institution as one of the most neglected agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education. He said his position as the library’s current landlord had given him first-hand exposure to the infrastructural challenges confronting the institution and reinforced his advocacy for the completion of its permanent headquarters.

The businessman also recalled that about three years ago, he made an unsolicited offer of ₦150 billion towards the completion of the National Library headquarters, but said the Ministry of Education rejected the proposal in writing on the grounds that the project remained an ongoing government undertaking that did not require external funding.

The unveiling of the NLN Endowment Foundation provides a structured platform for individuals, businesses, foundations and other organisations to contribute to the completion of the library’s headquarters, expansion of facilities, digitisation and preservation of Nigeria’s intellectual and documentary heritage. Stakeholders at the launch called for stronger partnerships between government, the private sector, academia and philanthropists to secure sustainable funding for the institution.