Wike Vows To Complete Key Abuja Projects, Targets January Deadline

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the FCT Administration will not relent in delivering critical infrastructure projects, insisting that key road projects must be completed before January as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking on Monday after inspecting the ongoing Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa road projects in Abuja, Wike said the recent commissioning and flag-off of several projects did not signal the end of the administration’s infrastructure push.

According to him, the government remains committed to fulfilling promises made to residents before the end of President Tinubu’s first term in office.

“Has the tenure of Mr President ended? Certainly not. His first tenure has not ended. 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.

The minister noted that although many people expected the administration to slow down after weeks of commissioning projects, governance required sustained effort.

“We made promises to the people during the commissioning and flag-off ceremonies that certain key projects would be completed before the end of the year. We cannot afford to disappoint them,” he said.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the Apo-Karshi Road, describing the project as one that had languished for years after it was awarded in 2010.

He credited President Tinubu for providing the support needed to revive the project and commended the contractor, SCC Nigeria Limited, for the quality and speed of execution.

“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 adhere strictly to the completion timeline despite the challenges posed by the terrain.

Recalling an earlier commitment made during the commissioning of the Dei-Dei Road, Wike said the project must be ready before the end of the year.

“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,” he stated.

He assured the contractor of prompt funding from the FCT Administration to ensure that construction activities continue uninterrupted, particularly before the end of the dry season.

The minister also disclosed that inspections of other ongoing projects recently flagged off would continue throughout the week as part of efforts to sustain what he described as the administration’s “promise made, promise fulfilled” philosophy.

“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,” Wike said.

The FCT minister also addressed concerns over the growing trend of illegal street racing on newly completed roads in the nation’s capital, warning that the administration would not tolerate activities that threaten public safety.

While acknowledging that improved road infrastructure had encouraged some motorists to engage in reckless driving, Wike stressed that such behaviour would not be condoned.

“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,” he said.

He directed the relevant FCT traffic authorities to investigate the incidents and implement measures to curb illegal street racing while ensuring the safety of residents and other road users.