From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday expressed
satisfaction with the substantial progress on two major infrastructure projects in Abuja – the 15-kilometer Inner Northern Expressway (INEX) from Ring Road III to Idu Industrial Area, and the Arterial Road N20 Interchange at Jahi.
In a statement issued by Assistant Director of Press, Rabi Umar, the minister during an on-site inspection, highlighted the near completion of the INEX project, managed by Salini Nigeria, noting the recent casting of the bridge over the rail line at Idu. “The 15 kilometers Inner Northern Expressway (INEX) which is being handled by Salini, you can see it’s almost completed. The bridge has crossed over the rail line at Idu. The last time we went there, they assured us that within one week, they would have casted the bridge. Today, we rode on it. We are happy,” Wike said. He further announced, “We believe, by the special grace of God, it is one of the projects that will be inaugurated by Mr. President during his second year anniversary celebration.”
The Minister also visited the N20 interchange, which connects the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to the Northern Parkway. He praised the contractors’ dedication and assured that the project is on track to meet deadlines. “We were also at the N20 interchange flying over the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) leading to Kubwa. The contractors have assured us once again that they are going to meet up. They are working day and night. Remember last time we came here, this place was not casted and I have confidence that in the next two weeks, it will be a different thing,” Wike observed.
Beyond the speed of work, the Minister emphasized the importance of quality, stating, “What is more important is the quality of the jobs. I’m very impressed with the contractors that are handling the two projects we just visited – the INEX and this Jahi interchange. We are very happy with what they are doing.”
This inspection comes ahead of a two-week commissioning schedule announced by the FCT Administration to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.
The commissioning will showcase a range of infrastructure projects cutting across Abuja’s city center, satellite towns, and rural areas. Key projects include the Arterial Road N16 linking Maitama and Katampe, the 16-kilometer OSEX II to Wasa service carriageway, the Arterial Road N5 from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, the renovated International Conference Centre (ICC), the Greater Abuja Water project, and various rural roads.
Wike had in one of his tours urged residents to protect these investments, saying, “These projects are for the benefit of all, and we must work together to safeguard them.”
He reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure that improves the lives of Abuja residents. “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 added.