No Slowdown In FCT Projects, Tinubu’s Promises Must Be Fulfilled, Says Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that there would be no let-up in the execution of critical infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital.

He declaed that the administration remains committed to fulfilling its promises before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first term.

Wike spoke yesterday after he inspected the ongoing Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa road projects. He stressed that the commissioning and flag-off of several projects in the FCT did not mark the end of the administration’s infrastructure drive.

The minister said several strategic projects must be completed and commissioned before the end of the year, in line with the commitments made to the residents during the recent project commissioning ceremonies.

Wike said the government would continue to monitor contractors closely to ensure that projects were delivered according to schedule, warning that the confidence reposed in the Tinubu administration by the residents must not be taken for granted.

“Has the tenure of Mr President ended? Certainly not. His first tenure will end precisely on May 29, 2027. If that is the case, it means the work has also not ended,” Wike said.

He noted that although some people might expect the administration to slow down after weeks of project commissioning, governance required continuity and sustained commitment to development.

“We have made promises to the people during the commissioning and flag-off that certain key projects must be commissioned before the end of the year. We cannot afford to disappoint them,” he stated.

Speaking on the Apo-Karshi Road, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of the long-delayed project, which was awarded in 2010 but had suffered years of neglect before being revived by the present administration.

He commended President Tinubu for the support provided to ensure the project progressed, while also praising SCC Nigeria Limited for the quality of work being executed.

“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,” he said.

On the Bwari-Kubwa Road project, the minister directed the contractor to maintain the agreed delivery schedule despite the challenging terrain, warning against unnecessary delays.

“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. They have demonstrated commitment, and I believe they will hand over the project as scheduled,” Wike said.

He assured the contractor that the FCT Administration would continue to release funds promptly to prevent any disruption to the project, particularly before the end of the dry season.

Wike further disclosed that inspections of other projects recently flagged off would continue throughout the week as part of efforts to sustain the administration’s promise made, promise fulfilled agenda.

“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,” he stated.

The minister also expressed concern over reports of illegal motor racing on newly completed roads in the FCT, warning that the administration would not tolerate activities that endangered residents and other road users.

He acknowledged that improved road infrastructure might have encouraged some motorists to engage in reckless driving but insisted that public safety remained paramount.

“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 FCT traffic authorities to investigate the development and take appropriate measures to curb street racing in residential communities and ensure the safety of road users.