Wike: Why We’re Developing FCT Satellite Towns

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the ongoing development of satellite towns is a deliberate policy of the Renewed Hope Administration to curb rural-urban drift and spread economic opportunities.

Wike spoke yesterday during an inspection of major ongoing infrastructure projects in Kaura, Apo-Karshi, and Bwari, expressing satisfaction with the quality and pace of work.

According to the minister, the motivation behind the administration’s efforts is simple: the joy of service and the impact on citizens’ lives.

“The motivation is for you to serve. I am happy to serve. I am happy that I’m part of this Renewed Hope Administration, which has given Nigeria back the lost hope,” he said.

He highlighted the significant progress made on various roads, noting that the projects would bring much-needed relief and development to communities that have long been neglected.

“You can see the happiness of the people who were at Kaura. The entire length of the road at Kaura is 13 kilometres. And so, when we went to Apo Karshi, you could see the capacity of the NCS contract. That road is not less than 13 kilometres long,” he said.

The minister particularly highlighted the transformative impact of the road projects in areas such as Bwari and Ushafa, noting that such developments are key to improving the quality of life for residents outside the city centre.

“Then, when I came to Bwari, to Ushafa, you can see how happy the residents were there. Everyone has seen that in their life, and it is one of those things the president has said we must address in all the satellite towns now.

“You can imagine how they feel for the first time. I’m sure they have seen the road that will bring development to those communities,” he added.

Wike also provided an update on the Arab Road project, which is being handled by Gilmor, describing the quality of work as exceptional.

“I have done it again with Arab Road. This has also been done by one of the very high-quality, high-capacity companies, Gilmor. They have done this. They have done part of the asphalting, three layers.

“One is the stone base, then the binding, and then the wearing, of course, up to 18CM. As we are coming, you can see the drainage there as well. And this is also one of the roads which, by the grace of God, will be inaugurated on the president’s third year anniversary,” he said.

He explained that the government’s focus on satellite towns is a strategic move to balance development and discourage migration into the already congested city centre.

“First of all, see if you are only concentrated in the city; the rural communities are part of Abuja, so they should also change their lives.

“They should also have their economic activities. And, as I said before, when the president was inaugurated, he appointed us.

“One of the things he said is there’s an over-concentration of development in the city. You have to go down to the satellite towns. That alone will help to discourage urban migration and rural-urban drift,” Wike stated.

He said that improved infrastructure, such as the road in Kuje, would make living in satellite towns more attractive and convenient.

“People can now go from Kuje and go to work in the city. And so, it will take 35 minutes, you’re already in the city, so why do you have to say that you won’t stay in Kuje?” the Minister queried.

Responding to questions about complaints from residents regarding estate developers, Wike warned that the FCT Administration would not hesitate to intervene in cases of exploitation.

He disclosed that some developers have been made to refund money to innocent citizens.

“For us, when we have such complaints, obviously, we know what to do; there are some complaints that have come, and we have been able to tackle them by making sure that the estate developers return funds to the innocent Nigerians that they tried to collect money from,” he said.

The minister also touched on security, calling for continued support from residents for the government.

“I would expect more infrastructure. In terms of security, we will improve it beyond what it is today. “I wish everybody a happy Ramadan,” he said.