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Says completion will revive local economies
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has set a December completion deadline for several ongoing road projects across Abuja, saying their delivery will ease transport and unlock economic activity in communities that have long suffered poor road access.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday after inspecting ongoing construction works on Arterial Road N1 from Wuye to Ring Road II, Tungan Madaki-Zuba Road and the Zaudna-Kaba-Kagini-Kubwa Expressway corridor.
The minister, who expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, said the contractors had demonstrated sufficient commitment to meeting the December deadline.
He said the roads would be delivered to residents as a Christmas gift from President Bola Tinubu, with the expected benefits extending beyond improved mobility to increased economic activity in the affected communities.
“I’m very impressed with the jobs so far, and I’m also impressed with the commitment of the contractors,” Wike said.
“We have promised the residents that this will be their Christmas gift by Mr President as part of their Christmas gift so that they’ll go back home and enjoy their Christmas celebration.
“You can imagine the happiness of those who stay here. You know that with these roads the economy of the affected communities will change.”
Wike said the administration was particularly focused on opening up communities on the outskirts of Abuja, where inadequate road infrastructure had constrained movement and economic activity.
He said the impact of completing the projects would be measured not only by the quality of the roads but also by the improvement in the lives and businesses of residents who depend on them.
“When you see a rural area like this, it makes us very happy when the people are happy and of course, that’s the essence of good governance,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that heavy rainfall had slowed some earthworks, but said the anticipated reduction in rainfall from October would allow contractors to intensify construction.
“You know, I was having doubts, but the contractors are fully committed. If not for the rains, I know they would have gone far.
“I believe that from the first week of October, the rains will not be much again, and you will see how they will continue with earthworks,” he said.
The latest commitment comes amid a wider push by the FCTA to deliver major infrastructure projects before the end of 2026 and into early 2027. Wike had previously said contractors handling several other major projects had given December and January completion commitments.
At Tungan Shanu village along the Tungan Madaki-Zuba corridor, Wike told residents that the FCTA would press the contractor to meet the December deadline.
“We will push the contractor to deliver the road by December so that you’ll be happy. That is what the President is doing for you,” he said.
The minister also urged residents to cooperate with the contractors to ensure that the projects were completed within schedule.
During the inspection, Wike also made a political appeal to residents, asking them to support President Tinubu and former FCT Senator Philip Aduda in the 2027 elections.
At Kaba, along the Kagini-Kubwa Expressway corridor, he told residents that Aduda would serve as a link between them and the Presidency if elected to the Senate.
“I came here with the man that will represent you well in the Senate and that is Sen. Philip Aduda. He’s the one that will connect you directly with Tinubu,” Wike said.
The minister’s inspection followed previous assurances that several major FCT projects would be completed before the 2027 elections, with contractors committing to December and January delivery dates.
