By Ladi Patrick-Okwoli
Copyright businessday
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing key infrastructure projects across Abuja before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term.
Wike pledged on Monday while flagging off access roads ILS 02 and ILS 03 (Timipre Sylva Street) in Mabushi, Abuja.
He vowed that the capital city would undergo a significant transformation by 2027.
He said the project marks another milestone in the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on modern infrastructure, transportation, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment in the FCT.
“By the time Mr. President’s tenure expires, Abuja will be a different city. In terms of infrastructure, Abuja will compete with other known cities of the world,” Wike said.
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“What we are doing is implementing the vision of the President, and no sector will be left untouched.”
Addressing concerns that his administration is focused mostly on roads, the minister emphasised that infrastructure is the foundation of development.
He added that all ongoing and new projects are fully funded to ensure they are completed on schedule and not abandoned.
“Don’t bring projects when you don’t have the money. If you award contracts without funding, you only raise false hopes. That is why we ensure every project we flag off is backed by available funds,” he said.
After the flag-off ceremony, Wike inspected judicial infrastructure projects, including the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District, and judges’ residential quarters in Gishiri.
While satisfied with progress on the judges’ quarters, the minister expressed concerns about delays at the Court of Appeal site.
“I am not satisfied that the contractor will meet the promised timeline, but I believe the project will not exceed this year,” he said, adding that he had summoned the contractor for urgent discussions.
Wike also praised President Tinubu’s support for judicial welfare, describing the housing projects as important to promoting judicial independence and security.
“With what Mr. President has done, it shows he wants our judges to be independent and safe, not living among criminals. That is why these quarters are important,” he said.
The Mabushi road project and judiciary housing schemes are part of the FCT Administration’s efforts to fast-track completion of infrastructure projects that had stalled or suffered delays under previous administrations.
