From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled plans to commission a wide array of infrastructure projects over a two-week period in celebration of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.
Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike announced this yesterday at a press briefing following inspections of key projects in Abuja’s city centre, detailing that the commissioning will cover major roads, water projects, and renovated facilities across the city center, satellite towns, and rural areas, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
“The Arterial Road N16 connecting Maitama and Katampe, the 16-kilometer Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX II) to Wasa service carriageway linking Apo and Wasa districts, the Arterial Road N5 from Lifecamp Junction to Ring Road III, the renovated International Conference Centre (ICC), the Greater Abuja Water project, and various rural roads will all be inaugurated,” Wike said, adding, “It will take us about two weeks to inaugurate most of these projects.”
In a statement issued by Assistant Director of Press, Rabi Umar, the minister praised President Tinubu’s leadership, attributing the transformation of Abuja’s infrastructure to his visionary governance.
“Mr. President has given first-class infrastructure to Abuja. All of you can attest to the fact that indeed, Abuja has really changed,” he said.
“I want to thank God Almighty for providing the right leadership through Mr. President to deliver the dividends of democracy to the residents of Abuja. I don’t see why anybody would say Mr. President has not done well, except you are just blind.”
Highlighting the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” Wike emphasized that the projects are tangible proof of progress. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan. We are seeing transformation, and the people can testify,” he added.
On the Abuja International Conference Centre, Wike revealed it would be the first project to be commissioned, praising Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for their quality work. “The centre was in a terrible state before Mr. President directed that it should be rehabilitated and upgraded to the status of an international conference centre. What we see today is a product of effective leadership,” he said. “No responsible leader would allow such a facility to be referred to as an international conference centre given its previous condition.”
Wike also inspected the ongoing extension of Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5) from Life Camp junction to Ring Road III, also handled by Julius Berger. He expressed confidence that the first phase would be ready for inauguration, stating, “Their commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of the project, from the equipment used to the skilled labour employed. This project is a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda, and we’re thrilled to see it come to fruition.”
Regarding financial readiness, the minister disclosed that the National Assembly had approved ₦10 billion for the N5 project under the 2024 budget, which expires in June. “We’re hopeful that once the National Assembly resumes, they will approve the 2025 budget so that we can continue this momentum,” he said. “We are doing our part so that contractors have no excuse. It’s about the people and improving their daily lives.”
Wike also commended the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) for progress on the OSEX II to Wasa carriageway and Arterial Road N16, noting positive feedback from residents and traders along the routes.
He urged residents to protect the new infrastructure, warning, “These projects are for the benefit of all, and we must work together to safeguard them against vandalism.”
Looking forward, Wike outlined plans to expand water provision to satellite towns such as Bwari, Karu, and Kubwa, continue road construction and rehabilitation, renovate schools, and enhance security measures. “Our priority is to improve the quality of life for all FCT residents, and we are dedicated to delivering projects that meet their needs and expectations,” he said.
On the broader significance of the development, Wike reflected, “What makes us happy is when people are happy because, at the end of the day, we are working for the people. I have said it before that leadership is a major issue. When you have the right leadership, people will benefit from it. That’s what leadership is all about.”
The commissioning schedule will culminate around May 29, the exact date of President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, marking a milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s capital city under his administration.