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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday said ongoing infrastructure projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are opening up satellite towns and accelerating development across the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking during an inspection of key projects slated for inauguration as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work being executed by contractors.
The minister, who inspected the Tundun Madaki section of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) corridor and other projects, said the administration’s focus on extending infrastructure to underserved communities was already transforming the socio-economic landscape of the territory.
“My greatest joy is that we have also started extending development towards Zuba. In that way, the entire communities in those areas will be opened up. That is what development is all about opening up the satellite towns and communities, as directed by Mr President,” Wike said.
He disclosed that several completed projects, including a major road project delivered by CCECC and the Body of Benchers office complex, would be inaugurated in the coming weeks.
“The road project has been completed and the streetlights have been installed. It is a quality road delivered by CCECC. This road will be part of the projects to be inaugurated,” he stated.
At the OSEX corridor, Wike noted that construction had reached an advanced stage, with the bridge completed and asphalt laying nearing completion.
“We are now at the Tundun Madaki section of the OSEX corridor. The bridge has been completed and the asphalt work is ongoing. I believe that before the end of the week, or within one week, the asphalt work will also be completed. They have already started installing the streetlights,” he said.
The minister commended the contractors handling the projects for meeting agreed timelines and maintaining high construction standards.
“It is a very good quality job. I am highly impressed with both the quality of work and the timely completion. I commend the contractors for fulfilling their promise to complete the projects on schedule.
“Not only have they done quality work, they have also delivered on time. I am very, very happy about that,” he added.
Responding to concerns over the utilisation of allocations by Area Councils, Wike dismissed allegations that council administrations were mismanaging resources.
According to him, critics often fail to consider the financial obligations of the councils, particularly the payment of teachers’ salaries and other personnel costs.
“I do not agree with the claim that the allocations given to them are not being utilised. People should look at the facts before making complaints. For example, how much does Kuje Area Council receive monthly, and what is the salary burden for teachers alone in primary schools?” he asked.
On the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, the minister said he was satisfied with the conduct of the exercise by the party’s recognised leadership.
“What I know is that we have completed our screening, and the primaries are ongoing. We are happy with the way the PDP is handling its primaries,” Wike said.
He declined to comment on parallel activities being conducted by rival groups, insisting that attention should remain on the officially recognised process.
