FCT PROJECTS: Wike Warns Contractors, Insists June Deadline

FCT PROJECTS: Wike Warns Contractors, Insists June Deadline

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned contractors handling major infrastructure projects in Abuja that deadlines, particularly those tied to projects scheduled for inauguration during President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary, will not be extended.

Nyesom Wike

Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing works across the capital on Wednesday, Wike expressed displeasure over delays on some projects, especially a road construction site in Wuse, while acknowledging the quality of work delivered so far.

“We agreed that by the end of May or June, the job would be delivered, but what we heard today is different. I’m not going to accept that.

“I have directed that by the second week of June, that project must be handed over,” the minister stated.

He explained that the inspection was part of routine monitoring aimed at ensuring accountability and quality assurance in project delivery across the territory.

“We do not just sit in our offices. We go out to verify the quality of jobs and ensure contractors meet timelines,” he said.

While expressing dissatisfaction over delays in some areas, the minister commended contractors handling other key projects, including the N16 interchange among others.

“At the N16 interchange, the quality of work speaks for itself. The contractor has assured us it will be ready for the inauguration,” Wike said.

At Tunga Madaki, where a road and bridge project linking Bill Clinton Drive along the Airport Road corridor to surrounding communities is nearing completion, Wike said he was pleased with the level of work done.

The minister added, “This road became necessary following the construction of the second runway by the Ministry of Aviation. The community demanded access, and we delivered.

“You can see they are putting finishing touches to the bridge,” he said.

He further disclosed plans to extend the road network from the bridge axis to Zuba, noting that preparatory processes, including procurement and compensation for affected communities, were ongoing.

“From Bill Clinton Drive to Zuba will be opened up. This is part of our broader commitment to ensure that satellite towns benefit from development under this administration,” he said.

Beyond road projects, Wike said the FCT Administration was also investing in other sectors, including water supply, education, and healthcare.

“We are going to inaugurate the satellite water projects in Bwari, Karu, and Orozo.

“In education, we have renovated and furnished several schools, especially in satellite towns. We have also awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of health facilities. So, it is not just about roads,” he added.

On the recent water scarcity in parts of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, the minister attributed the disruption to damage caused to a major pipeline by a private developer.

“A major pipe was damaged during a private development. The Water Board is working seriously to fix it.

“We will investigate and take action. If necessary, we will shut down that project because no one should inconvenience the public for personal gain,” he assured.

He assured residents that efforts were underway to restore the water supply and urged patience from the public.

Wike reaffirmed that the FCT Administration remains committed to delivering infrastructure projects across Abuja’s city centre and satellite towns in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of the Tinubu administration.

Infrastructure development in the FCT has been a central focus of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly under the “Renewed Hope” governance agenda aimed at accelerating urban renewal and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s capital.

Abuja, designed as a planned city, has in recent years faced mounting pressure from rapid population growth, expansion into satellite towns, and ageing or insufficient infrastructure, leading to recurring challenges in roads, water supply, and public utilities.

To address these gaps, the FCT Administration, headed by Wike, embarked on an ambitious programme of road construction, rehabilitation of public facilities, and expansion of basic services into outlying districts such as the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Karu, Orozo, and Zuba.