By Rapheal

Copyright thesun

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that ongoing construction of major road infrastructure in Abuja is a strategic step to strengthen Nigeria’s bid to host the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Speaking at the flag-off of the Access Arterial Road S1 project, linking Ring Road 2 to the FCT Fire Service Station in Kaura District, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Wike stressed the connection between the city’s development and Nigeria’s international sports aspirations. “I hope you are aware that Nigeria is bidding to host the next Commonwealth Games. And it will be difficult for us to achieve that if we don’t have a good network of roads,” he said.

He highlighted that a modern and efficient road network would be a significant advantage in convincing the international committee. “When the committee comes and they see that the basic infrastructure is being provided, that gives us a leeway to be given the hosting right,” Wike explained.

Wike also pointed to the local benefits of the road projects, especially for emergency response. Noting the proximity to the FCT Fire Station, he commented on the challenges caused by poor road access, which has often delayed response time to fire incidents. “We have always talked about fire incidents and the response is not usually timely. But we don’t ask ourselves, it is not only the fact that maybe they may be lacking some basic amenities, but also they don’t have a good network of roads that will enable them to move down,” he remarked.

He expressed optimism that the two-kilometre road, which includes a 3-span bridge, would greatly enhance emergency response capabilities. “By the time this road is constructed, anywhere there is any fire incident and they are called upon, they will respond immediately. Again, this is also to contribute to the efficiency in their job delivery,” Wike added.

Calling on the construction firm known for its work on the Abuja-Kaduna Road, the minister urged them to employ local youth. “I want to plead with the company to give the residents the opportunity to participate in this road construction by employing our teeming youth who are willing to work,” he said.

Wike reiterated the FCT Administration’s dedication to Abuja’s transformation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing major projects like the Airport-Kuje Expressway and Kuje-Gwagwalada dualisation.

“It is the hope of the Renewed Hope Agenda that before the first tenure of Mr. President ends, Abuja will be a different place and it competes with other cities of the world,” he stated.

FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, also highlighted the project’s alignment with national infrastructure goals, underscoring improvements in public safety and disaster management. “It will also improve response time and operational efficiency of the FCT Fire Station located in the area, thereby strengthening public safety and disaster management,” she said.

Mahmoud further stressed the broader benefits for Kaura District, noting the road would stimulate socio-economic growth, raise property values, attract investment and improve residents’ quality of life.