Wike’s Billboards Flood Abuja, Stirring Speculation

Billboards featuring the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have in recent months dominated major roads across Abuja, sparking widespread attention and speculation.

While the displays do not suggest that the former Rivers State Governor is eyeing political office, they have become increasingly noticeable alongside those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is widely expected to seek re-election in 2027.

The billboards primarily showcase projects completed or currently underway under Wike’s leadership in the capital city. Abuja Metro gathered that many of them are financed by politicians and contractors keen on currying favor with the minister. One prominent sponsor is Suleman Chok, popularly known as “BABS,” who has placed several billboards in high-profile districts such as Jahi, Kado, Maitama, Wuse, Garki, Airport Road, and Gwarinpa. His boards are emblazoned with the slogan, “Support Mr. Infrastructure for Re-building Africa’s Fastest Growing Federal Capital.”

Although Chok, a contractor based in Abuja with roots in Plateau State, is an admirer of Wike, most of the projects displayed on his billboards were not executed by his firm, though he is said to have handled other contracts for the FCT Administration.

Data from the Department of Outdoor Advertisement and Signage (DOAS), the agency overseeing outdoor promotions in Abuja, indicates that billboard costs vary widely based on size, location, message, and duration. While responsibility for fee collection has been outsourced to private agents, rates range between ₦500,000 and ₦1 million for a six-month display.

A DOAS official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that political campaign adverts and commercial promotions attract higher fees than billboards highlighting government projects or social campaigns. “For instance, if you are placing 50 billboards for a period of six months, you will be required to pay ₦50 million or ₦25 million, depending on the messages and the location,” the official said.