Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will not slow down its infrastructure drive, insisting that several landmark projects in Abuja must be completed before January as part of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to residents.
Speaking on Monday after inspecting the ongoing Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa road projects, Wike said the recent commissioning and flag-off of projects across the FCT marked only another phase of the administration’s development agenda and not its conclusion.
He stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s first term remains ongoing and that the government is determined to deliver on every promise made to residents before its expiration on May 29, 2027.
“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.
The minister dismissed suggestions that the administration might ease its pace after weeks of project commissioning, maintaining that governance demands consistency and accountability.
“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,” he stated.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the long-abandoned Apo-Karshi Road, Wike noted that the project, originally awarded in 2010, had remained stalled for years before it was revived by the current administration.
He credited President Tinubu for providing the necessary support to revive the project and commended SCC Nigeria Limited for the quality and pace of work.
“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,” he said.
Turning to the Bwari-Kubwa Road project, the minister directed the contractor to adhere strictly to the agreed completion timeline despite the challenging terrain, warning against any delay.
“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,” Wike said.
He assured contractors that the FCT Administration would continue to release funds promptly to ensure work progresses uninterrupted before the end of the dry season.
The minister disclosed that inspections of other ongoing projects recently flagged off by the administration would continue throughout the week to ensure they remain on schedule.
According to him, the FCTA has between eight and 10 major projects targeted for completion before January under its “promise made, promise fulfilled” agenda.
“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,” he said.
Wike also addressed concerns over illegal street racing on newly completed roads within the Federal Capital Territory, warning that the administration would not tolerate activities capable of endangering lives.
While acknowledging that improved road infrastructure had encouraged some motorists to engage in reckless driving, he stressed that public safety would always take precedence.
“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,” the minister said.
He directed relevant FCT traffic authorities to investigate the growing trend of illegal motor racing and implement measures to curb the menace while ensuring the safety of residents and other road users.
