Wike To Deliver 95% Of Jahi Interchange In 2 Weeks For Tinubu’s Anniversary

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence in the timely completion of major infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital, even as he raised doubts about one contractor’s ability to meet the deadlines.

Speaking with journalists after an inspection tour of key sites, including the Jahi Interchange, Kuje Airport Road, the Gwagwalada segment and the Abuja City Gate, Wike praised the quality of work but urged the contractors to adhere to schedules.

“We are on the Jahi Interchange, which CBC Global is carrying out. We are very hopeful, and as the man in the letter said, we are sure we will reach over 95 per cent in the next two weeks. Yes, I believe that, as I said before, the quality of the job is very, very good. And I believe we are going to meet up to the timing,” Wike stated.

At the Kuje Airport to Kuje Junction road, executed by Arab Contractors, the minister said, “That was a very good quality job. And with the explanation of the MD, we are hopeful that by the end of this month, we may be wrapping up with that job.”

However, at another site, Wike voiced scepticism. “I am still doubtful. Even though they have said they will be doing a quality job, look at the bridge. No doubt about the quality of the job, but I am still doubtful about its on-time completion. But they have given us their promise. I hope that they will keep it up.

“I am pleading with the company to please see that they keep to the timing, because these are projects we have scheduled to be inaugurated on the third anniversary of this administration,” he said.

The minister reserved special praise for Julius Berger’s work at the City Gate, describing it as transformative.

“Very good, beautiful work. In the next month, anyone coming to Abuja will see that you have been welcomed with a different landscape. And that’s what it takes to let you know you are in a capital city.

“We are happy with the job being carried out by Julius Berger, a quality job. Our point is that if the Abuja residents require the best, then we are going to provide the best,” he said.

Wike disclosed that most of the projects are geared toward the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with the commissioning scheduled for about three weeks from now.

Listing over a dozen projects slated for inauguration, he said, “The Bwari-Kaura water treatment plant; Ushafa too will also be inaugurated; the roads in Katampe, where we closed the coast, Gishiri area is also completed; Gaduwa road is also being completed; the CLC will also be inaugurated.

“Then the research institution area, that is the body of benchers, will also be inaugurated; Kuje Gwagwalada, one of the first phase, will also be inaugurated; Gombari, Yangochi will be completed; Bazango, all of the Kaura area and the Ushafa area will also be inaugurated.”

He added that the relocation site for Apo mechanics’ informal sector is almost complete and promised that a committee would soon release the full list of projects.

On security at the newly upgraded City Gate, Wike gave assurances, “We are going to provide security in that place. Because it is something that will have 24-hour activities there. So we are going to provide permanent security in that area. Security will be there; that is our business. Also, could you provide security cameras?

“By and large, we are very happy with the level of commitment by various companies. We are also going to do our part to make sure that we fulfil our obligation.”