Wike to contractors: June deadline for project inauguration non-negotiable
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday warned contractors handling key infrastructure projects across Abuja to deliver on time. The minister insisted that agreed timelines, particularly for projects slated
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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike yesterday warned contractors handling key infrastructure projects across Abuja to deliver on time.
The minister insisted that agreed timelines, particularly for projects slated for inauguration during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary, must be strictly adhered to.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing projects in the nation’s capital, Wike expressed dissatisfaction with delays by a contractor handling a road project in Wuse, despite praising it for the quality of work delivered so far.
He said: “We agreed that by the end of May or June, that job will be delivered. But what we heard today is different. I’m not going to accept that,” the minister said.
“I have directed that by the second week of June, that project must be handed over.”
The minister, who reiterated his administration’s commitment to meeting delivery timelines, said the inspection tour was part of routine efforts to ensure quality control and accountability.
“We don’t just sit in our offices. We go out to verify the quality of jobs and ensure contractors meet timelines,” he stated.
Wike praised the performance of other contractors, particularly those handling the N16 interchange and the Institutions and Research Centre near key academic institutions in Abuja.
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The minister described their work as “top quality” and on track for inauguration.
“At the N16 interchange, the quality of work speaks for itself. The contractor has assured us it will be ready for inauguration. The same applies to the Institutions and Research Centre. We are confident it will be delivered on schedule,” he said.
At Tunga Madaki, where a critical access road and bridge project linking Bill Clinton Drive of the Airport Road to surrounding communities is nearing completion, the minister expressed satisfaction with progress.
He noted that the project would significantly improve connectivity across the FCT.
“This road became necessary following the construction of the second runway by the Ministry of Aviation. The community demanded access and we delivered. You can see they are putting finishing touches to the bridge,” he added.
Wike also announced plans to extend the road from the bridge axis to Zuba, stating that necessary procurement processes and compensation arrangements for affected communities were already underway.
“From Bill Clinton Drive to Zuba will be opened up. This is part of our broader commitment to ensure that satellite towns benefit from development under this administration,” he said.
Highlighting the progress of development in the FCT beyond road infrastructure, the minister said the territory’s Administration (FCTA) was simultaneously investing in water supply, education, and healthcare.
“We are going to inaugurate the satellite water projects in Bwari, Karu, and Orozo. In education, we have renovated and furnished several schools, especially in satellite towns. We’ve also awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of health facilities. So, it’s not just about roads,” Wike said.
The minister also announced that satellite towns were benefiting from President Tinubu’s administration, unlike the previous administrations.
Commenting on the recent water scarcity affecting parts of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the minister attributed the disruption to damage to a major pipeline by a private developer.
“A major pipe was damaged during a private development. The water board is working seriously to fix it, but we will investigate and take action. If necessary, we will shut down that project because no one should inconvenience the public for personal gain,” he warned.
Appealing for patience from the residents, Wike assured that the administration would not tolerate negligence or sabotage affecting public utilities.
“It’s not our fault, but we take responsibility to fix it. The public should be assured that we are on top of the situation,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed that the FCT Administration remained focused on delivering impactful infrastructure that would transform the city centre and satellite communities, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
