FCT Area Council Elections Won’t Slow Down Abuja Projects – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that political activities in Abuja, including the forthcoming Area Council Elections scheduled for February 21, will not disrupt ongoing development projects across the capital.

Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday while inspecting several infrastructure projects, stressing that governance, service delivery and development would continue regardless of political timelines.

According to the minister, the primary responsibility of government is to remain focused on the welfare of residents, noting that politics should not interfere with service delivery.

Wike explained that consistent execution of projects was essential to demonstrating the sincerity of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that tangible results were what truly mattered to citizens.

“The only way to make sure that people will be happy and see that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real is to continue with the work,” he stated.

One of the projects inspected was the Institutional Research Road, which links Nile University, the Body of Benchers and other institutions. The road also serves as an alternative route to the older access road leading to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters. Wike described the project as a strategic route expected to carry heavy traffic upon completion.

“The work done there is very encouraging. By the end of May, the contractor will hand over the project, and it is one of those lined up for inauguration during Mr President’s third year in office,” the minister said.

The inspection tour also took Wike to the Body of Benchers extension building, where he disclosed that construction was about 80 per cent completed, with only landscaping work remaining.

Wike later visited a major road corridor stretching from Euclid Road through Bright Road to Tungan Madaki, covering approximately seven kilometres. He noted that the project includes key infrastructure such as a large conference hall and a four-span bridge, describing it as transformative for communities that had long lacked proper road access.

“You can imagine what these areas have suffered over the years. It is unimaginable. But we thank God that we now have the opportunity to open them up,” he said.

The minister revealed that the scope of the project was expanded following consultations with local residents, who requested that compensation for affected crops be accompanied by improved road access to the city.

“They asked that if we were paying compensation, they should also be linked to the city. That is what we are doing today — a promise made, a promise fulfilled,” he added.

Wike further disclosed that contractors handling the projects had assured the FCT Administration that major works would be completed between late May and early June, while reiterating that regular inspections would continue to ensure quality and timely delivery.