What was intended to be a milestone celebration of improved access to clean water in parts of the Federal Capital Territory has instead generated controversy after a viral video appeared to show FCT Minister Nyesom Wike declining to drink water from a newly commissioned supply network.
The incident occurred during the inauguration of the Karu Satellite Town Water Supply Network on June 22, 2026, a project commissioned in the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event.
The water scheme, delivered by CGC Nigeria Limited, was designed to provide treated water to thousands of residents in Karu, Orozo, Jikwoyi, Kurudu and neighbouring communities that have long struggled with inadequate access to potable water.
According to project details presented at the ceremony, the network was completed within 10 months and features more than 194 kilometres of pipeline infrastructure connected to over 1,000 distribution lines, drawing water from an existing reservoir for household supply.
Addressing residents at the event, Wike described the project as a major intervention that would improve public health and reduce dependence on boreholes and alternative water sources.
He assured beneficiaries that the scheme would provide treated water and help address long-standing challenges associated with access to safe drinking water in the affected communities.
However, attention quickly shifted from the project itself after a video circulated on social media showing the minister declining a glass of water reportedly sourced from the newly commissioned network.
The clip sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the optics of the moment and expressing concerns about public confidence in government infrastructure projects.
Several social media users argued that public officials should be willing to publicly demonstrate confidence in projects they promote, especially those directly linked to public health and safety.
Others suggested there may have been personal reasons behind the minister’s decision, noting that no official explanation has been provided regarding the incident.
The video has since fueled debate about accountability, public trust and the importance of visible confidence-building measures when commissioning critical public infrastructure.
While the controversy continues to generate discussion online, residents of the benefiting communities remain focused on the project’s primary objective — reliable access to treated water after years of dependence on private vendors and boreholes.
As reactions continue to trail the incident, observers say the focus will ultimately shift to the quality, consistency and safety of the water supplied through the new network, which many residents hope will significantly improve living conditions in the area.
Source: Gistcore
