From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced a substantial investment exceeding N300 billion in infrastructure development across six area councils in Abuja in the past one year.
This announcement was made during the official commissioning of the newly reconstructed 9-kilometer Paikon Kore-Ibwa Road in the Gwagwalada Area Council.
He revealed that Gwagwalada alone has seen an investment of over N50 billion in infrastructure development within the same timeframe. He emphasised the importance of community engagement in identifying infrastructure needs, recalling a stakeholders meeting held in August 2024 where residents expressed their priorities, including the need for two specific roads: Aguma Palace Road and Paikon Kore Road.
“This was a road we flagged up sometime in January last year. Today is January 22, 2025. In that stakeholders meeting, you requested two roads. One is the Aguma Palace Road and the Paikon Kore Road. We thank God we are here today to commission this Paikon Kore Road.”
Wike announced plans to commission the Aguma Palace Road during the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in May 2025. He also addressed local officials, urging them to report on completed projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
In response to requests for additional infrastructure, Wike instructed coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, to include a critical bridge project in the 2024 statutory budget.
He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the development of satellite towns within the FCT. He noted that since May 2023, significant funds have been allocated specifically for Gwagwalada. For instance, N8.5 billion was dedicated to constructing the Paikon Kore Road, while N22 billion has been earmarked for Aguma Palace Road.
Furthermore, Wike mentioned ongoing renovations at five secondary schools in Gwagwalada, with a total investment of N16.5 billion aimed at enhancing educational facilities.
The schools include School for the Gifted Gwagwalada, Government Secondary School Gwagwalada, GSS Abagada, GSS Tungan Maje and GSS Giri.
He also noted that additional investments are being made in building police divisions to improve security in the area.
Wike summarised that when accounting for all projects and investments made in Gwagwalada alone, over N50 billion has been committed. He projected that when similar investments across all six area councils are considered, the total investment could exceed N300 billion within just one year.
Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, urged residents and road users to take responsibility for safeguarding the newly developed infrastructure.
“Let us continue to safeguard this road, use it responsibly, and collaborate to ensure more developmental strides in the future.”
Mahmoud expressed her hope that the new road would bring lasting benefits to the community and serve as a symbol of unity and progress.