FCT Minister says Tinubu administration will meet January deadline for key Abuja projects
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that the FCT Administration will not slow down the execution of major infrastructure projects in Abuja, insisting that contractors must deliver projects within the agreed timelines.
Wike made the declaration on Monday after inspecting the ongoing Apo-Karshi Road and Bwari-Kubwa Road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister said the recent commissioning and flag-off of several projects did not mean the administration had completed its work, stressing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first term remains ongoing and the government must continue to deliver on its promises to residents.
According to Wike, the administration has made commitments to residents and cannot afford to disappoint them.
“Has the tenure of Mr. President ended? Certainly not. His first tenure has not ended. His first tenure will end precisely on May 29, 2027. If that is the case, it means the work has also not ended,” he said.
The minister said the FCT Administration would continue to monitor contractors closely to ensure that important projects are completed according to schedule.
He explained that although many people might expect government activities to slow down following the recent commissioning of projects, there was no room for such a break when major infrastructure projects were still under construction.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of the long-delayed Apo-Karshi Road, noting that the project was originally awarded in 2010 but had suffered years of delay and neglect.
He credited President Tinubu’s support for the renewed progress on the project and commended SCC Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling the road, for the quality and pace of work.
“My happiness today is that the Apo-Karshi Road, which has been a major concern, is progressing very well. Streetlights are already being installed. I commend the contractor and the host communities for their cooperation,” the minister said.
The Apo-Karshi corridor is considered an important road link for residents and commuters in the affected areas, with improved infrastructure expected to ease transportation and support economic activities.
Wike also inspected the Bwari-Kubwa Road project and directed the contractor to maintain the agreed delivery schedule despite challenges associated with the terrain.
He recalled that he had earlier directed that the road should be completed and commissioned before the end of the year.
“I told the contractor during the Dei-Dei commissioning that this road would be commissioned before the end of the year. I don’t want anybody shifting the goalposts,” he said.
The minister said the contractor had demonstrated commitment to the project and expressed confidence that the road would be delivered as scheduled.
He further assured contractors working on FCT projects that the administration would continue to release funds promptly to prevent financial constraints from slowing down construction activities, particularly during the dry season.
Wike disclosed that inspections of other projects recently flagged off would continue throughout the week as the FCT Administration pushes its “promise made, promise fulfilled” agenda.
According to him, between eight and 10 major projects are expected to be completed before January.
“When people have confidence in you, don’t allow that confidence to erode. They have seen that we keep our promises, and we must sustain that confidence. We have about eight to ten major projects that must be completed before January, and we are determined to deliver,” Wike said.
The minister’s declaration comes as the FCT continues to witness major construction activities involving roads, bridges, streetlights and other infrastructure projects.
Wike said the administration’s responsibility is not only to start projects but also to ensure that they are completed and delivered for public use.
He also addressed concerns over reports of illegal motor racing on newly completed roads in Abuja.
According to the minister, improved roads should not become an excuse for reckless driving or activities capable of putting the lives of residents at risk.
He said the FCT Administration would not allow motorists to turn residential roads into racing tracks.
“If they want to engage in car racing, there are designated places for that, not within residential areas. Their rights have limitations, and life is more important,” Wike said.
He consequently directed the relevant FCT traffic authorities to investigate the reported activities and take appropriate measures to prevent illegal street racing in residential communities.
The minister stressed that the safety of residents and other road users must remain a priority as new roads are opened across the nation’s capital.
With the FCT Administration targeting the completion of several major projects within the coming months, attention will now turn to whether contractors can meet the deadlines set by the minister.
Wike maintained that the government would continue to inspect ongoing projects, release funds where necessary and hold contractors accountable for delivery.
IBN NEWS understands that the projects form part of the wider infrastructure drive of the FCT Administration under the Tinubu government, with the authorities seeking to improve road connectivity, reduce travel difficulties and support the expansion of Abuja and its surrounding communities.
