Barr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stated on Monday that there would be no halt to the implementation of vital infrastructure projects in Abuja, emphasizing that the administration is still required to keep its word to citizens before President Bola Tinubu’s first term expires.
Wike stated that the successful commissioning and flag-off of projects in the FCT did not mark the end of the administration’s infrastructure drive, emphasizing that a number of critical projects must be finished by January. He made this statement after touring the ongoing Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa road projects.
He stated that the public’s trust in the Tinubu administration should not be taken for granted and that the government will keep an eye on contractors to make sure projects are completed on time.Newspapers
“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.
While acknowledging that many expected the administration to take a break after weeks of project commissioning, the minister maintained that governance demands continuity.
“We have made promises to the people during the commissioning and flag-off that certain key projects must be commissioned before the end of the year. We cannot afford to disappoint them.”
Wike expressed delight with the long-delayed Apo-Karshi Road project, pointing out that it had been neglected for years before the present administration brought it back to life. The project was awarded in 2010.
He applauded SCC Nigeria Limited for upholding a high standard of work and thanked President Tinubu for providing the support that allowed the project to proceed.
“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.”
Despite the challenging terrain on the Bwari-Kubwa Road, the minister instructed the contractor to stick to the prearranged delivery timeline and cautioned against needless delays.
“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.”
In order to prevent construction from being interrupted before the conclusion of the dry season, he promised the contractor that the FCT Administration would continue to release cash on time.
In an effort to maintain the administration’s “promise made, promise fulfilled” agenda, Wike revealed that inspections of other recently flagged-off projects would continue this week.
“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.”
In response to worries about illicit automobile racing on recently built highways in the Federal Capital Territory, the minister stated that the government would not put citizens in danger.
Public safety would still be the top priority, he said, even though better road infrastructure might have encouraged some drivers to drive recklessly.
“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 directed the FCT traffic authorities to investigate the development and take appropriate measures to prevent street racing in residential communities while ensuring the safety of road users
