Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has emphasised that ongoing project inspections are crucial in ensuring that contractors remain accountable.
Wike stated this during a site visit in Abuja on Wednesday, where he assessed the construction of a three-kilometre road network in Giri District and the 16-kilometre Idu-Dei Dei Road along the Inner Northern Expressway.
Wike’s inspection also covered the road network in Dakibiyu District and the ongoing construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. He stressed that regular inspections are essential to guarantee that projects meet the expected quality and timelines.
“As part of the routine inspection, we will always go round and see whether the contractors are doing what they are supposed to do, and we are happy with what they are doing,” Wike stated. He explained the necessity of being proactive, saying, “We cannot sit in the offices and assume that the projects are going on well; no, part of our job is to go and see for ourselves and to look at the quality of job.”
Wike warned against the risks of negligence, adding, “If you don’t go out, you may be embarrassed on the day of inauguration and by that time, it will be too late. So, inspection is part of the assignment to ensure that the job is not only done but done very very well.”
He also reassured that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities to contractors by ensuring prompt payments.
