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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has set a December deadline for the completion of key road projects across Abuja, saying their delivery would open up communities, ease movement and stimulate local economies constrained by poor access.
Wike, who spoke yesterday after inspecting ongoing works on Arterial Road N1 from Wuye to Ring Road II, Tungan Madaki-Zuba Road and the Zaudna-Kaba-Kagini-Kubwa Expressway corridor, said the contractors had demonstrated sufficient commitment to meet the deadline.
He promised residents that the roads would be delivered as a Christmas gift from President Bola Tinubu, arguing that their impact would extend beyond transportation to businesses and livelihoods in the affected communities.
The minister also used the inspection to make a political appeal ahead of the 2027 elections, asking residents to support Tinubu and former FCT Senator, Philip Aduda.
“I’m very impressed with the jobs so far, and I’m also impressed with the commitment of the contractors.
“We have promised the residents that this will be their Christmas gift by Mr President 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 FCT Administration was particularly focused on opening up communities on the outskirts of Abuja, where inadequate road infrastructure had constrained movement and commercial activities.
“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.
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The minister acknowledged that heavy rainfall had slowed earthworks on some of the projects but expressed confidence that contractors would intensify work as the rains recede.
“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.
At Tungan Shanu village along the Tungan Madaki-Zuba corridor, Wike assured residents that the FCTA would press the contractor to deliver the road before Christmas.
“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 urged residents to cooperate with contractors to ensure that the projects were delivered on schedule.
The December target forms part of a wider push by the FCTA to complete major infrastructure projects before the 2027 general elections. Wike had earlier said contractors handling other projects had given December 2026 and January 2027 completion commitments.
At Kaba, along the Kagini-Kubwa Expressway corridor, Wike urged residents to support Tinubu and Aduda in the 2027 elections, saying the former senator would provide a link between the communities and the Presidency if elected.
“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 had similarly canvassed support for Tinubu and Aduda during an inspection of the Zaudna-Kaba-Kagini Road in August, when he also promised that the project would be delivered by December.
