The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared several major road and infrastructure projects across Abuja ready for commissioning ahead of the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in June.
Wike made the declaration on Monday after conducting an inspection tour of ongoing and completed projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
The projects inspected include the Renewed Hope City Access Road in Karsana District, the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road, FCT Highway 105 linking Airport Road to Kuje, the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road Phase One project, and the Abuja City Gate remodeling project.
Expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, the minister described the inspection day as “one of the happiest days,” noting that several of the projects are now fully prepared for inauguration.
Speaking on the Renewed Hope City Access Road in Karsana, Wike disclosed that the project was 98 per cent completed. He said the road would provide critical access to thousands of affordable housing units within the district and commended construction firm Lubriks for delivering quality work.
The minister also confirmed that the 17-kilometre Old Keffi Road rehabilitation project, stretching from Kado Village and Life Camp Junction to the Dei-Dei axis, was ready for commissioning. According to him, contractors are concluding the final stages of asphalt laying and streetlight installations.
He explained that the road project would improve connectivity for communities such as Saburi, Gwagwa, Idu, and Karmo by linking them directly to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), thereby reducing travel time for residents.
On the FCT Highway 105 project from Airport Road to Kuje, being handled by Arab Contractors, Wike praised the quality of execution, describing the highway as a clear demonstration of effective governance.
“It’s a very fantastic job. I am sure anybody who goes there will admire it, and that is what is called governance. That’s showcasing governance. I’m very proud of the contractor, Arab Contractors, and what they have done,” the minister stated.
He further disclosed that the first phase of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Road project, executed by Gilmor, had been completed and significantly transformed the visual landscape of the Kuje area.
At the Abuja City Gate remodeling site, Wike said the project would be formally handed over in early June. He noted that the facelift would provide the nation’s capital with a modern and attractive new appearance.
The minister attributed the initiative to the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, describing the project as her “brainchild” and commending her support for the administration.
“This is what you have when you have a good woman who means well for the administration of her husband. I am talking about the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. I am very happy with Julius Berger and pleased with the quality of the job,” he said.
The remodeling project is being executed by Julius Berger.
Wike also addressed political developments in Rivers State, particularly the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election.
He said he was not surprised by the emergence of Kingsley Chinda as the party’s governorship candidate, describing him as experienced and highly qualified.
Commenting on the withdrawal of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the contest, Wike criticised the governor for initially obtaining the APC nomination form despite an agreement not to seek a second term in exchange for the suspension of impeachment proceedings against him.
“In the first place, he ought not to have collected the form because the agreement was reached that the impeachment should be dropped while he should also not talk about a second term,” Wike stated.
He, however, noted that Fubara’s eventual withdrawal paved the way for another candidate to emerge as the APC governorship flagbearer in the state.