The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed his admiration for the quality of ongoing projects within the territory.
Wike made these remarks following an inspection of several ongoing projects in Abuja on Monday.
The projects reviewed included the renovation of the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) and the extension of Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5) from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III.
Additionally, the minister assessed the road network in Gishiri village, Katampe District, as well as the N16 Interchange at NICON Junction, which will connect Maitama and Katampe Districts to Wole Soyinka Way.
“Frankly speaking, we are very impressed with what we have seen; the quality of the job is quite impressive, and we are on schedule.
“The contractors who are handling various jobs are living up to expectations and we are also doing our own part by making sure payments are made. This is to ensure that there is no delay in the execution of the project in any site,” he stated.
Wike specifically highlighted his satisfaction with the pace and quality of the ongoing rehabilitation of the AICC, noting that the conference centre is nearing completion. He remarked, “Those who knew how it was and see what it is today will be impressed with the ongoing transformation.”
He also announced that the N16 interchange is set to be completed and inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu in May to mark his second year in office. “We were also at N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), which will also be ready by the end of May,” he added.
The minister explained that the projects are being financed by the 2024 budget, which will be implemented until the end of June. He mentioned that the 2025 FCT Statutory Budget has been submitted to the National Assembly and that the appropriation bill will be defended as soon as the assembly reconvenes from recess.
Wike expressed his contentment with the impressive performance of the 2024 budget, stating that it is currently about 95 per cent implemented. “This has never happened before. There is no project that is captured in the 2024 budget that we have not touched,” the minister concluded.
