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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday commissioned the long-awaited engineering infrastructure project in the Wuye District of Abuja, a project initially awarded in August 2009 but left abandoned until recent revival. Executed by the Arab Contractors, the newly completed infrastructure has opened up the district for economic and business activities, marking a significant milestone in the FCT’s development.
He outlined that prior to the arrival of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in May 2023, the project suffered from neglect due to funding shortages and contractor non-payment. He commended President Tinubu for restoring hope and momentum in the Federal Capital Territory through “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
“I want to challenge everybody who will say in the history of our city, in every administration, who has beaten this record of the Renewed Hope agenda,” Wike said during his address. “If there’s any administration since the creation of the Federal Capital Territory that has done more than what we are doing, let them speak up now. Their silence says it all — this is leadership that is committed, leadership that is changing lives”.
Wike also highlighted that the Tinubu administration’s decisive actions within two years have revived numerous long-neglected projects across the territory, including massive infrastructural development in districts like Gwagwalada. These projects encompass new road networks, tunnels, and essential utility services, transforming once-dilapidated areas into thriving urban zones.
Highlighting the impact of the renewed infrastructure, Wike noted that many contractors had abandoned projects since 2009 because payments were stalled until the current administration prioritized clearing arrears and resumed works.
Within the first year of Tinubu’s administration, major projects like traffic interchanges that previously caused congestion were completed, greatly easing transportation challenges.
Beyond infrastructure, Wike announced that after a 20-day series of project flag-offs and commissioning events, the FCT Administration would pause briefly before launching another 20-day phase concentrating on education. He promised to unveil significant achievements in school facilities and learning environments across Abuja, reflecting the administration’s broader development agenda.[thenationonlineng]
Wike praised the contributions of FCT Authority staff and local councils officials, describing their cooperation as vital to the progress made.
He also expressed strong political support for President Tinubu, urging residents and Nigerians to continue backing the administration. He declared that a “political tsunami” of performance-led governance is transforming the Federal Capital Territory.
“My dear people, look around you. If you live here or have property here, your conscience will tell you the truth—that leadership has returned to this country. The Renewed Hope Agenda is real. Forget my face; what matters is the work being done,” Wike stressed.
In her remarks at the event, the FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, lauded the significance of the project, describing it as a fulfillment of long-awaited community needs and a foundation for future development. She also commended President Tinubu’s continuing vision, which she said shines across the Federal Capital Territory, and praised Wike’s leadership in bringing positive change to communities.
