Wike Backs Indigenous Contractors, Says Nigerian Firms Can Match Foreign Standards

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that indigenous construction firms have come of age and were capable of delivering projects that meet international standards, citing the successful completion of the Karu Road project in Abuja as proof of their capacity.

Speaking on Monday during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Karu Township Roads by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Wike said the performance of Abdul-Val Constructions Limited had strengthened his confidence in Nigerian contractors.

The minister admitted that he initially hesitated to award the contract to the indigenous firm because of unpleasant experiences with some local contractors who abandoned projects after receiving mobilisation funds.

“I was initially sceptical about giving this company the job because of my past experience as a local government chairman and governor.

“When you give some local contractors money to build, they start spending the profit before commencing the job. Before long, you begin chasing them around and even involving the police. I didn’t want to go through that again,” Wike said.

He explained that the contractor personally appealed for an opportunity, prompting the FCT Administration (FCTA) to first test the company’s competence with the execution of the War College-Ushafa Road project, which was commissioned last year.

“This young man came to my office and pleaded that we should give him a chance. If you remember, last year we commissioned the War College-Ushafa Road. That was the trial project.

“He proved himself and convinced me that local contractors have come of age and can do what foreign companies can do,” he said.

Wike commended the company for its dedication to the project, noting that the construction continued uninterrupted even when payments had not been made.

“One thing I noticed was that whether the money was available or not, they never abandoned the site. They kept working and telling me, ‘Mr. Minister, I believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

“I will complete the project because I know I will be paid.’ That kind of confidence is rare these days, and I sincerely commend him,” he said.

According to the minister, the contractor fulfilled his promise by completing both the road project and the associated drainage infrastructure in time for the President’s third anniversary project commissioning programme.

“I was afraid we would not finish this job before the anniversary activities, but he assured me it would be completed. Today, he has fulfilled that promise, and on behalf of the FCT Administration, I thank him for believing in this government,” Wike added.

He said the successful execution of the project had demonstrated that Nigerian construction companies could deliver quality infrastructure when given the opportunity.

Wike also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the construction of all roads within Karu Town, stressing that the administration had fulfilled its promise to residents by delivering critical infrastructure across the community.

“As you come into this area, you can see that the entire landscape has changed. We promised the people of Karu that all the roads they requested, including the EFCC Road, DSS Road, Hospital Road and others, would be constructed. Today, we have fulfilled that promise,” he said.

The minister urged Nigerians to acknowledge good governance regardless of political affiliation.

“It doesn’t matter the political party you belong to. When you see something good, acknowledge it. Nobody can hate this road because this is what development is all about,” he said.

Wike thanked President Tinubu for his continued support to the FCT Administration, noting that the President had dedicated nine days of the 14-day commissioning programme to inaugurate projects across the nation’s capital.

He added that the reconstruction of roads in Karu and the adjoining Nyanya-Mararaba corridor would significantly ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life for residents.

“We want every community and every district in the FCT to know that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, development will reach every part of Abuja. All we ask is for Nigerians to continue supporting this government because, in the end, everyone will benefit,” the FCT minister said.