2 Major Abuja Roads To Be Completed, Handed Over In December – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that two major road projects in Abuja will be completed and handed over by the end of December.

Wike gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the projects, where he commended the contractors, particularly the China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), for their commitment to delivering the projects despite limited mobilisation.

The minister said the contractors had demonstrated dedication by working day and night to ensure the timely completion of the projects, adding that their efforts reflected support for the development agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

One of the projects inspected was the ISEX Road, which was awarded in 2014 and has remained a major infrastructure project in the Federal Capital Territory. The first phase of the road comprises about 5.4 kilometres of roadway and two interchanges.

Wike expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the full release of funds for the completion of the first phase of the ISEX Road, describing it as a critical project that would significantly improve connectivity within the FCT.

He said, “You remember when we flagged off this particular road, we did mention that we would like to hand it over to the residents of the FCT before the general election.

“I want to commend the contractor, CGC. Each time I discuss with them, they have always been hopeful that they will complete the job, working day and night.”

The minister also praised the company for taking ownership of the project despite not receiving full mobilisation, noting that the level of work achieved so far showed confidence in the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.

“I want to commend the contractors for having confidence in us, that even though they have not been mobilised much, you can see the level of work. That shows their commitment and belief in this administration,” Wike said.

He urged other contractors handling FCT projects to emulate CGC’s approach, stressing that development partners must sometimes see their role beyond immediate financial returns.

“Everything is not about profit. Sometimes, for development, they call it their own contribution to the development of the area. Money will come at the end of the day,” he added.

According to the minister, government remains committed to paying contractors for completed works, even when funding delays occur.

“There is no government that will give out jobs and will not want to pay. The money may not come at the time you expected, but at the end of the day, we believe that once you have moved work, you deserve your payment,” he said.

Wike further cautioned contractors against abandoning projects or discouraging those who are committed to delivery, saying such commitment would contribute to the success of the Tinubu administration.

“I call on all other contractors to emulate what CGC is doing. They are committed to contributing to the success of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” he stated.

The minister expressed confidence that both projects would be completed before the end of December, adding that the completed roads would transform the landscape of the nation’s capital.

“I am quite confident that by December ending, God willing, these two projects would have been handed over to us. You can imagine what the landscape would be,” Wike said.

He also thanked President Tinubu and FCT residents for their support, saying the administration had made significant contributions to the development of the territory.

“The present administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given so much to the Federal Capital Territory. We thank him for that, and we also thank the people for the support they have been giving to the administration,” he added.