By Philip Yatai

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, has lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for transforming the infrastructural landscape of the nation’s capital.

Lokpobiri gave the commendation on Tuesday while accompanying Wike on an inspection tour of several road projects across the FCT.

Speaking to journalists during the inspection, the minister described the pace of ongoing projects as “unprecedented”.

He noted that having lived in Abuja since his election to the Senate in 2007, he has witnessed various stages of the city’s expansion, but the speed and quality of execution under Wike’s leadership remain unmatched.

“I’ve been in Abuja for about 19 years now, having arrived in 2007 when I was elected to the Senate. The level of development we are seeing in Abuja today is unprecedented.

“Even those who may not particularly like the FCT minister must give it to him—he is delivering infrastructure, and everyone, including his critics, is benefiting from it,” he said.

Lokpobiri expressed astonishment at the progress recorded on the Southern Parkway road project, noting its proximity to his residence at the National Assembly Quarters.

“This morning, when I had the privilege of joining him to inspect these projects, I was amazed. I live in the National Assembly Quarters in Apo, just about two kilometers away, yet I was unaware of the scale of work happening here.

“I never believed in my wildest dreams that a road flagged off just five months ago in July could reach this level of completion,” he added.

Lokpobiri attributed Wike’s achievements to the sustained backing of President Bola Tinubu, congratulating both the President and the FCT minister for their dedication to fulfilling the administration’s mandate.

He called on Nigerians to support public officers who demonstrate exceptional performance, emphasising that constructive encouragement is vital for sustained progress.

“When someone is performing, the least we can do as citizens is to encourage them. The minister has fundamentally changed the landscape of Abuja, and things can only get better from here,” Lokpobiri said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike inspected the ongoing construction of Inner Southern Expressway, from  Area 1 roundabout to Games Village bridges; Southern Parkway, linking Oladipo Diya Road with Ring Road II.

He also inspected the ongoing construction of Arterial Road S1 project in Abuja to connect Ring Road II to the FCT Fire Service Station in the Kaura and Gaduwa district corridors. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab