Wike moves to fix Abuja flooding, traffic gridlock at World Trade Center axis
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inspected ongoing drainage, sewer and access road works around the World Trade Center Abuja and the Abuja Metro Rail
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inspected ongoing drainage, sewer and access road works around the World Trade Center Abuja and the Abuja Metro Rail corridor, as part of efforts to tackle flooding and traffic congestion in one of the capital’s most strategic districts.
The inspection focused on infrastructure serving Abuja’s main government and commercial hub, an area that hosts federal offices, corporate headquarters and diplomatic missions, and which experiences heavy daily movement of workers, residents and visitors.
Persistent flooding during the rainy season and traffic bottlenecks along key access routes have, in recent years, disrupted movement and business activities.
The projects are being executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration through the Federal Capital Development Authority, with the aim of improving storm water control, easing traffic flow and ensuring safer, more reliable access.
Officials said the works will reduce the impact of heavy rainfall, limit road damage and cut delays caused by waterlogged routes.
Urban development observers note that while drainage and access upgrades attract less attention than new buildings, their effect is far-reaching, as poor infrastructure in key districts often leads to lost work hours, higher transport costs and operational inefficiencies for both government and private institutions.
The corridor inspected by the minister hosts the World Trade Center Abuja, one of Nigeria’s largest mixed-use developments, comprising a 22-storey Grade A office tower with over 33,000 square metres of lettable space and a 24-storey residential tower with 120 apartments. The complex serves corporates, financial institutions, embassies and professionals, making the reliability of surrounding infrastructure critical to its operation.
During the visit, Wike described the World Trade Center Abuja as an impressive, well-built development that has added value to Abuja’s skyline, stressing that public infrastructure around major investments must match their scale and importance.
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Jerome Das, Chief Executive of the Churchgate Group, expressed appreciation to the FCT Administration for addressing long-standing drainage and access challenges around the World Trade Center and the Metro Rail axis.
Also, Ibukun Adeogun, General Manager, Operations and Corporate Communications at Churchgate World Trade Center Abuja, said the infrastructure upgrades would significantly improve access, safety and overall functionality of the area.
Adeogun added that the inspection sends a strong signal to investors and institutions across the country that the FCT administration is prioritising infrastructure that allows Abuja to function smoothly as the nation’s seat of government and a major business centre.
He expressed confidence that the intervention will reduce flooding risks, ease traffic pressure and strengthen Abuja’s role as a reliable hub for governance, commerce and diplomacy.
