RismadarVoice Reporters, June 11, 2026
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that he resorted to fasting and prayers while battling financial and administrative pressures to complete major road projects in Abuja, revealing that the stress also affected his health.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Airport Expressway to Kuje Road, an event attended by President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima as part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.
The minister said the challenges of securing funds for infrastructure development were so intense that they impacted his blood pressure, noting that negotiations and funding demands from contractors often came with significant pressure.
“As I speak to you, they are also requesting the dualisation of the Kuje to Gwagwalada road, and knowing fully well that God is with this administration, we have committed ourselves to doing it,” Wike said.
He explained that the responsibility of delivering critical infrastructure projects left him under constant strain, especially when dealing with contractors and funding requests.
According to him, even routine discussions about project financing would sometimes trigger anxiety and health concerns.
“Each time I call, he would say, ‘Minister, each time you call, my BP will go high,’ and when he requests money, my BP will also go high,” he said, referring to a contractor involved in the projects.
Wike added that the pressure surrounding the completion of key roads pushed him into an unusual routine of fasting as he sought divine assistance to secure the necessary funds.
“I don’t usually fast before, but I started fasting from morning till night because of this particular road. I thank God He has answered our prayers,” he said.
The minister maintained that despite the challenges, his administration remained committed to completing ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation and connectivity within the capital city.
