Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is under fire for attending the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, accompanied by his two sons, Jordan and Joaquin, who were listed as official delegates. The move has ignited widespread outrage on social media, with critics accusing the minister of transforming a taxpayer-funded international trip into a “family vacation” and exemplifying nepotism among political elites.
The summit, held at Expo City in Dubai from October 27-29, gathered mayors, city leaders, and policymakers to discuss urban development, sustainability, and global partnerships. Wike, representing Nigeria’s capital interests, arrived in Dubai on Monday after departing Abuja on Sunday and was welcomed by the Nigerian Consul General. Photos circulating online show the minister’s sons wearing delegate lanyards and seated beside him during sessions, prompting questions about their roles and the justification for their inclusion.
The controversy escalated when Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, posted a photo of the trio on X (formerly Twitter) with the provocative caption: “When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel.”
Olayinka’s remark drew sharp rebukes, with users decrying it as arrogant and dismissive of public concerns amid Nigeria’s economic hardships, including soaring inflation and widespread poverty.
Social media platforms like X and Facebook erupted with condemnation. @iOccupyNigeria lambasted the minister, writing: “Wike no be governor, no be mayor. He be Minister of FCT, yet he carry him children go Dubai as delegates… Na public money dem use fly go. Who born that kind impunity?” The user highlighted the irony of funding luxury travel for family members while many Nigerians struggle to afford daily meals, labeling it “state-sponsored family vacation with delegate pass.”
Echoing broader frustrations, @megaflexing (posting as magaflexing) argued: “This is exactly one of the mindset that has kept Africa backward. There should be nothing like friend or enemy in governance. It should be about the interest of the people and the best that can deliver should be the ones put in position.” @BigOnukwugha added that substituting family for career civil servants on official trips “undermines institutional growth and continuity,” depriving ministry staff of vital exposure.
Critics also drew parallels to perceived “dynastic politics,” comparing Wike’s actions to those of President Bola Tinubu, whose son Seyi has been spotted at high-level meetings. @Real_me_Abdul warned: “You are watching your resources being spent on father and sons who will later rule over you. And you still clap for them.” On Facebook, users like Dickson Eshiet Reloaded noted: “Operation promotes your son and I promote my son in the show. They are learning so fast from their leader, Jagaban.”
The uproar traces back to an earlier incident highlighted by Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, who questioned on Facebook: “What is Wike’s son doing in a meeting of the directors of the Ministry of Aviation and the FCT?” This post went viral, fueling accusations of blurring public and personal boundaries.
Recent X posts amplified the sentiment. @_MzJayde shared: “Wike is facing heavy backlash for sending his two sons as delegates to Dubai Summit… We need to know why it is necessary for them to one part of the summit?” @Mrfizzy_10 questioned: “Wike took his sons to Dubai for a summit with taxpayers’ money? In what capacity exactly are they government officials or advisors?” @PlatinumPostNg reported: “Controversy as Wike attends Dubai summit with sons listed as delegates.”
Neither Wike nor the FCT Administration has responded to the allegations as of Wednesday evening.
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