By Benson Daniel
Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, popularly known as “Jerry Boy”, left behind a legacy that continues to be visible in parts of Abuja and beyond, years after his time in public office.
Useni, who died in 2025 at the age of 81, was one of the prominent military officers and politicians whose career spanned Nigeria’s military administration, public service and democratic politics.
His most enduring imprint was perhaps made during his tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory between 1993 and 1998. At a time when Abuja was rapidly developing into Nigeria’s administrative centre, Useni oversaw a period of major infrastructure expansion.
Several major projects associated with his tenure included the National Assembly Complex, Apo Legislative Quarters, Gwarimpa Housing Estate, Kado Estate and the Diplomatic Drive. Roads, bridges, public buildings and other basic infrastructure were also developed during the period.
Beyond construction, Useni placed emphasis on urban planning and the provision of essential services, including water, electricity and sanitation. His administration sought to position Abuja as a functional capital capable of accommodating the country’s expanding political, commercial and residential needs.
His approach to development was not without controversy. The rapid transformation of the Federal Capital Territory created tensions in some areas, particularly over land, relocation and the interests of indigenous communities. Yet supporters of his administration credit him with helping to establish important foundations for Abuja’s subsequent expansion.
Useni had risen to national prominence much earlier. In 1984, General Muhammadu Buhari appointed him military governor of the old Bendel State. He subsequently held several senior positions in the Nigerian Army, including Quartermaster-General, before serving as Minister of Transport and later FCT Minister.
His military career was accompanied by personal tragedies. He lost his wife, Julie, and his youngest son in a plane crash in Jos. He also faced suspicion and public speculation following the death of former military ruler General Sani Abacha, with whom he was known to have had a close relationship. He denied any wrongdoing and continued with his public life.
After leaving the military, Useni entered partisan politics. He became deputy national chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party and later represented Plateau South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
He also contested the Plateau State governorship election in 2015 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party but lost to Simon Lalong of the All Progressives Congress.
His involvement in northern affairs extended beyond electoral politics. In 2001, he led a delegation of the Arewa Consultative Forum to engage northern governors and other regional leaders on issues affecting the development and future of northern Nigeria. He later served as chairman of the ACF Board of Trustees.
Useni’s death was met with tributes from political leaders, military figures and associates who described him as a committed public servant and statesman.
President Bola Tinubu commended his courage and dedication during his military career and acknowledged his contributions to Nigeria’s political development. Other prominent figures, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, also paid tribute to the former general.
For those who knew him personally, however, Useni’s legacy went beyond official positions and public projects. He was remembered as a man who remained connected to his roots in Plateau and maintained an interest in education, youth development and the empowerment of women.
His career reflected the complicated history of Nigeria’s public life — from military rule to democratic politics — but his contributions to the country’s physical and institutional development remain part of the record.
In Abuja, some of the infrastructure linked to his period as FCT minister continues to serve millions of residents. Those structures provide a tangible reminder of a man whose career was closely tied to the transformation of Nigeria’s capital.
Jerry Useni may have passed on, but the roads, estates, institutions and public projects associated with his years of service continue to keep his name in the national conversation.
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