Wike Sets Deadline For Abuja Interchange Project

In a bid to end traffic gridlock in the nation’s capital, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged immediate and adequate funding to contractors to ensure the completion of a critical interchange linking Maitama, Gishiri, and Jahi to Gwarinpa within the next three months.

The minister made the declaration yesterday during an inspection tour of the Full Scope Development of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way), a major project featuring two interchange bridges designed to decongest the bustling capital.

Wike, expressing admiration for the contractors’ progress despite previous funding constraints, promised swift government action.

“What surprises me is the confidence they have, even though we have not funded them very well. I can see the level of job, the level of work that they have done.

“We are going to make sure that the contractor, having that confidence in us, we will make sure that the job is well funded, so that they will be able to complete it like they promised in the next three months,” he said.

He specifically lauded the quality of work and linked the contractors’ dedication to the credibility of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“The quality of job is quite encouraging. And I want to thank Mr. President for the confidence he also has in us. And that’s why most contractors are working even without the funding, believing that they will be paid,” she said.

The project segment under inspection traverses the densely populated Gwarinpa Housing Estate, connecting Bunkoro and Wupa Districts to Sector Center E, a hub of commercial activity.

Upon completion, it is expected to drastically improve access for residents in several Phase III districts, including Gwarimpa II, Kafe, Wupa, and Bunkoro.

“This will decongest the traffic situation; this leads to Gwarimpa Estate,” Wike said.

The Arterial Road N16 development is being executed in phases. A segment from Ring Road I to Arterial Road N20 (Solomon Lar Way) was commissioned by President Tinubu earlier this year.

The portion from N20 to Ring Road II is currently underway as part of the Jahi District Infrastructure Project.

The remaining undeveloped stretch from Ring Road III to Arterial Road N40 is crucial, as it will form the final link to the road accessing the Renewed Hope Estate in Karsana Districts.

Wike while assuring residents of imminent relief, expressed optimism about the project’s impact.

“It is really amazing. I am sure residents here will be happy at the end of the day when this interchange is completed,” he said.