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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining the ongoing infrastructure drive across Abuja, declaring that work on major projects will continue uninterrupted until the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term in May 2027.
Speaking on Monday after inspecting the Apo-Karshi Road and the Bwari-Kubwa Road projects, Wike said there was no justification for slowing down the pace of development, stressing that the mandate given to the administration by Nigerians remains active.
He noted that while the recent commissioning and flag-off of several projects in the FCT had been widely acknowledged as successful, the administration’s focus had now shifted to delivering another set of strategic infrastructure projects promised to residents before the end of the year.
“Has the tenure of Mr. President ended? Certainly not. His first tenure has not ended. His first tenure will be ending precisely May 29, 2027. So, if that is the case, it means that the work has also not ended,” Wike said.
According to the minister, although there would be opportunities for brief periods of rest, fulfilling promises made to residents remained a priority.
“We have made promises to the people during the commissioning and flag-off that there are certain key projects that have to be commissioned before the end of the year,” he added.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded on the Apo-Karshi Road, Wike recalled that the project was originally awarded in 2010 but had suffered years of delay before the current administration revived it.
He attributed the renewed progress to the support of President Tinubu and commended the contractor, SCC, for the quality of work being executed.
“My happiness today is that going to Apo-Karshi, which has been a very major concern, that project was awarded in 2010. People have been complaining, but thank God, with the support we’ve gotten from Mr. President, we can say we have fulfilled our obligations to a large extent.
“They’re already putting the streetlights. That is very commendable. I commend the contractor, SCC, for the good job they are doing. I also commend the communities there for their cooperation,” he said.
The minister also expressed confidence that the Bwari-Kubwa Road would be completed before the end of the year despite the difficult terrain.
He disclosed that he had directed the contractor to maintain the pace of work and avoid unnecessary delays, assuring that the FCT Administration would continue to provide the required funding.
“I said during the commissioning at Dei-Dei that we would commission the Bwari-Kubwa Road, and I don’t want the contractor to start shifting goalposts. They are contractors I will always commend because they have remained committed.
“I believe that before the end of this year they should be able to hand over this road to us. It is a quality job, though being executed in a very tough terrain. We will do our own part by making sure that funds are made available so they can complete the work before the dry season ends,” he said.
Wike disclosed that inspections of other projects recently flagged off would continue in the coming days to ensure contractors adhere to agreed timelines.
According to him, about eight to ten strategic projects are expected to be completed before January, as part of efforts to maintain public confidence in the administration.
“When people have confidence in you, don’t allow that confidence to erode. They have seen promise made and promise fulfilled, and we must continue in that direction. We have about eight to ten projects that we agreed would be completed before January, and we will ensure they are delivered,” he said.
Responding to concerns over the growing trend of illegal street racing on some newly constructed roads in the FCT, Wike warned that the administration would not tolerate activities that endanger residents.
While acknowledging that the smooth road network may have encouraged some motorists to engage in dangerous racing, he stressed that public safety would take precedence.
“They are trying to show how beautiful the roads are, but they forget that such activities also pose danger to innocent citizens. No formal complaint has been made, but now that we have heard this, I will direct the traffic authorities to ensure we do not allow it.
“If they want to engage in car racing, there are designated places for such activities, not within residential areas. Nobody will allow that. Their rights have limitations, and life is more important,” the minister said.
He assured residents that the FCT Administration would strengthen traffic enforcement to curb illegal street racing and protect lives and property across the territory.
