Wike Orders 10km Extension of Outer Southern Expressway to Wasa Junction, Defends Land Allocation Policy

By Toffa Momoh

ABUJA — FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has directed the immediate extension of the 10km Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road II Junction at Apo to Wasa Junction, saying the move will complete the arterial network and improve connectivity for residents and businesses.

Wike gave the directive during an inspection of infrastructure projects scheduled for commissioning to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.

He said he had instructed the FCDA Executive Secretary to ensure contractor China Geo-Engineering Construction completes the extension.

“I have instructed the Executive Secretary that from where this OSEX road will stop at Ring Road II junction, they should take it to the end of the OSEX at Wasa junction, which is about 10 kilometers, so that people will be very happy that at the end of the day, this administration has been able to complete the OSEX carriageway,” Wike said. “This is another promise made and another promise fulfilled.”

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the OSEX bridge and other sites, including Collector Road CN2 in Katampe, streets in Gaduwa District, and the Wasa Informal Sector site. He noted that Collector Road CN2 was nearly 100% complete, with streetlights and walkways being installed.

Wike also said the relocation site for Apo Mechanic traders in Wasa District was nearing completion, describing it as the fulfillment of a promise stalled for over a decade.

“Apo Mechanic relocation has been a thorny issue since the inception of this FCT. But thank God, under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is no longer just a promise; it is now a fulfilled promise,” he said.

He added that the Wasa informal sector would boost the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue once businesses begin operations.

On water projects, Wike confirmed progress on satellite town schemes in Karu and Bwari and said they would be delivered by the end of May. He praised the contractor for maintaining quality despite outstanding payments from the FCTA.

Addressing criticism over land allocation to ambassadors-designate, Wike dismissed claims that it was a misplaced priority. He said land allocation was standard for those contributing to Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic interests, and noted that media organizations had also received land allocations.

“We always say, when you are living in a glass house, don’t throw stones,” he said. “Nobody buys land from the FCTA. When land is allocated, you pay the government to get your C of O. Even the ambassadors will also pay something to government.”

On Jabi Lake, Wike said the FCTA intervened after allottees failed to develop the site for over 20 years despite agreements to build a world-class entertainment and tourism center. He said new investors had signed agreements with conditions, and the government would reclaim the land if development timelines were not met.

The Minister said the FCTA would prioritize realistic urban development and investment over public opinion.