Wike Vows To Enforce Master Plan, Commends Contractors

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday conducted an extensive inspection tour of critical infrastructure projects across the territory, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work while issuing a stark warning to developers violating the city’s master plan.

The tour, which covered sites from Karsana to Guzape, provided the minister with a platform to update residents on project timelines and address pressing issues, including security and illegal developments.

Speaking to journalists at the conclusion of the inspection, Wike provided a breakdown of the progress made at various sites.

He began by recalling a previous visit to Karsana, where roads linking the Renewed Hope cities to Kubwa are under construction.

“You will remember that last time we went to Karsana. We did say, and the contractors also promised us that by the grace of God, the project will be completed and inaugurated on the President’s third anniversary.

“I am very happy with what we saw and what Lubrik has done, and it is very obvious that that road will be inaugurated,” he said.

The entourage then moved to the N16 interchange, a vital link between Jahi and Gwarimpa.

The minister described the work there as wonderful, with the contractor promising a handover by the end of May. He praised the quality of work as “amazing.”

Further along the corridor, at the Airport Road leading to Kuje, handled by Arab contractors, Wike witnessed the launching of the final beam on the last bridge.

“They have said that obviously, by the end of May, that road will have been done,” he said.

The tour also covered the road from Kuje linking to Gwagwalada, a 13-kilometre project divided into two segments being executed by Gilmore.

The minister confirmed that the first segment, 6.5 to 7 kilometres, would be completed and handed over shortly, while work continues on the second segment.

However, the tone of the briefing shifted sharply when the minister addressed the tour’s final stop in Guzape, where an ongoing demolition exercise was underway.

“And then we are here now in Guzape. Like I’ve always said, people do not want to obey laws simply because they always believe that the government will come and go,” Wike said.

He explained that the site in question was designated as a green area but was illegally being developed into an estate.

“We had to demolish it, and we are also to withdraw whatever approval he has, because it was not given to him to develop an estate. It was for a green area, nobody would allow that,” he said.

Drawing parallels to a recent incident in which embassy land was encroached upon, the minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to doing the “right thing,” regardless of who is involved.

He acknowledged that some developers rush to court to obtain injunctions, hoping to wait out the current administration.

“It is quite unfortunate, but we will do our work. We will not know who is involved. Always our interest is to do the right thing,” he said.