Wike Inspects Key FCT Projects Ahead Of Tinubu’s Third Anniversary, Warns Contractors On Deadlines

By Toffa Momoh | Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has inspected several major infrastructure projects slated for commissioning during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary celebration.

The inspection covered the Arterial Road N16 Interchange linking Jahi and Gwarimpa, the Transit Way N2 bridges connecting Wuse District and the Central Business District, the access road in the Institution and Research District near the Body of Benchers, Nile and Baze University, and the road leading to Tunga Madaki community off Bill Clinton Drive at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Wike stressed the administration’s commitment to quality and strict deadlines, warning that the FCTA will not tolerate delays ahead of the President’s third-year anniversary.

While expressing satisfaction with overall progress, the Minister issued a stern warning to the firm handling the Transit Way N2 and its bridges after learning the project may miss its timeline. “We agreed that by the end of May the road would have been completed. But as we went there today, the representative of the company is saying a different thing. I’m not going to accept that,” he said. He directed the Executive Secretary, FCDA, to ensure the job is delivered by the second week of June.

At Tunga Madaki, Wike said the road was initiated to provide access to rural communities following work on the airport’s second runway. He disclosed that the administration has authorized extending the road from the bridge’s terminal point to Zuba. The project has been submitted to the Bureau of Public Procurement, and the Department of Resettlement is conducting valuations to compensate affected farmers. Once completed, the road will create a direct link from Bill Clinton Drive to Zuba.

The Minister confirmed that major satellite town water projects in Bwari, Karu, and Orozo are nearing completion and slated for inauguration during the anniversary. He added that numerous schools in satellite towns have been renovated, furnished, and equipped, while new contracts were recently awarded for healthcare facility rehabilitation.

“We have said severally that the satellite towns are benefitting from the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It has never happened before. Apart from roads, we are tackling water and we are also tackling education. We recently awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of most of the health facilities,” Wike stated.

On recent water scarcity in Abuja city center, the Minister said the shortage was caused by a private developer who damaged a major trunk line. He vowed to take drastic action, including shutting down the project if necessary. “You cannot suffer the public while you are going about to develop your own property,” he said.

He appealed for public patience, assuring residents that the FCT Water Board is working to restore full supply.