Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Monday explained that the termination of the long-delayed Apo-Karshi Road project contract on Monday, to end the masses suffering.
He stated during a media briefing after inspecting ongoing road works in AMAC and Bwari Area Councils, framing the decisive action as a direct intervention to relieve the hardship endured by Abuja residents for over a decade.
The project, awarded in 2011 to Kakarta Construction Nigeria Limited, saw no substantial progress despite a final six-month grace period granted in 2023 upon Wike’s assumption of office. “Unfortunately, it was a very big disappointment and therefore, we had no choice but to terminate it and give it to a more competent and serious contractor, which is SCC,” Wike stated, highlighting repeated site visits that revealed the previous firm’s inaction.
The contract was immediately re-awarded via emergency procurement to SCC Construction Company, which Wike praised for its readiness and equipment mobilization, committing to complete the full 14-kilometre stretch within 12 months to connect communities to Apo and Wasa while decongesting major routes. “Because of the importance of that road, we felt that we had to relieve the hardship on the people there and then connect to Apo and Wasa. So, I think it’s a major decision we took for the interest of the people of Abuja,” he stated.
Wike expressed strong confidence in SCC’s track record in Abuja projects. “I believe the SCC is a major company that has been carrying out construction in Abuja and they have what it takes in terms of equipment. We have gone to Apo Karshi several times but we never saw the equipment of the previous contractor. But look at it today, you can see that SCC is a company that is very serious,” the Minister added.
Wike also gave updates on related projects like the Bwari-Kubwa road re-awarded to SCC and Gbazango road to Zeberced Construction, underscoring the FCTA’s focus on satellite towns to address critical deficits.
“Passing that road today was an eye-opener for us that there are so many areas that need to be tackled,” he noted, aligning the efforts with the Renewed Hope Agenda to extend development beyond the city center.
“The whole essence of what we are doing is to let the world know that this administration means well, not only for the city, but also for the satellite communities. It has never happened in the history of Abuja since the FCT was created that the government is giving such attention to rural communities. This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about,” Wike affirmed, assuring residents of prioritized relief from infrastructure woes.