NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG to spend 73.9 bn on Maraba-Keffi road
Metro

FG to spend 73.9 bn on Maraba-Keffi road

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By Angela Atabo

The Federal Government is to spend N73.9 billion to complete the reconstruction and expansion of the Maraba-Keffi road project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government also set a 13-month completion date of June 2026 for the project awarded to MS. China Harbour Engineering Company(CHEC) Nigeria Limited.

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, made these known while inspecting the ongoing expansion of the Abuja-Keffi expressway on Saturday.

Goronyo commended President Bola Tinubu for making the project a reality.

He said that the completion of the road would in no small measure reduce the transportation problems on the corridor.

“This road is very critical because it is crisscrossing a lot of states.

“We have completed the road from Keffi to Makurdi and the one from Mararaba up to Keffi is now ongoing.

”Makurdi to Enugu is ongoing and achievable progress has been recorde by the contractor.

“What we are expecting is that by June next year, the entire stretch of this road from Abuja up to Port Harcourt will be completed,” he said.

Goronyo said that the government had opened a corridor for movement of goods and services, adding that this had translated to reduction in travel time and other economic benefits.

He said from the assessment so far,appreciable progress had been made.

“This contract was awarded in June 2023 with a completion period of 30 months.

”Work started here in December last year and now you can see that they have gotten up to 42 per cent completion,” he said.

Goronyo also said that the ministry was waiting for a certificate from the contractor so that more funds would be released for the project.

He said the ministry would work out modalities to expand the lanes on the road for the benefit of Nigerians.

Speaking on behalf of the contractor, Mr Ronald Liao, CHEC Commercial Manager, said the road would achieve a 56 per cent benchmark by month end.

Liao explained that the company was unable to reach the benchmark on time due to the heavy traffic on the corridor.

“The traffic flow from Masaka to Mararaba daily is very heavy.

“So, we have no other choice but to work at night.

“That is a big task and a challenge to our work progress.

“However, with the help of the ministry and with the help of the controller and also the help of the FRSC, we will complete the work within the right time,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Mufutau Ojo

President Barrow pledges support for ECOWAS’ Banjul-Barra Bridge project
Foreign

President Barrow pledges support for ECOWAS’ Banjul-Barra Bridge project

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By Mark Longyen

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has pledged his support for ECOWAS’ proposed Banjul-Barra Bridge initiative, describing it as a critical infrastructure that would engender massive development in the subregion.

Barrow stated this when he received ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization, Sediko Douka, who led a high-level delegation to him in Banjul, on a courtesy visit.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by ECOWAS Spokesperson, Joel Ahofodji, the president said that the project aligned with his administration’s development agenda.

He said that it would reduce travel time between the north and south banks of The Gambia, improve agricultural supply chains, facilitate regional integration, and improve national security and accessibility.

“This project is long overdue and vital for our national and regional development.

“It will significantly enhance trade between The Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau.

“It will also unlock economic opportunities for local communities, particularly small-scale farmers and women traders,” the President said.

Barrow further added that the initiative was a milestone project that would facilitate cross-border mobility and trade in the region.

Speaking earlier, Douka said that the project was strategically important in enhancing regional connectivity, boosting intra-ECOWAS trade, and contributing to the socio-economic development of The Gambia and its neighbors.

The commissioner also briefed the President on the planned unveiling of its Feasibility and Preliminary Design Study, as well as the accompanying 11-kilometre access road.

He explained that the bridge project was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional integration and improve cross-border infrastructure and connectivity, adding that ECOWAS had reached an advanced consultation level on it.

Douka, accompanied by ECOWAS President’s Chief of Staff, Abdou Kolley, also held a strategic meeting with The Gambia’s Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebraima Sillah, and members of the country’s technical team.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Banjul-Barra Bridge Project is a flagship infrastructure initiative under the ECOWAS regional integration framework.

It is aimed at strengthening ECOWAS’ physical integration and economic development by way of a transformative development for The Gambia and the entire subregion.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Strong political commitment, others vital for SAPZ project success – Adesina
Economy/Business

Strong political commitment, others vital for SAPZ project success – Adesina

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 By Lucy Ogalue

The President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, says strong political commitment, ministerial collaboration, and institutional support are vital for the success of SAPZ project.

Adesina spoke during the groundbreaking of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project in Kaduna State on Tuesday.

He noted that the success of SAPZs across Nigeria would depend on five key enablers for effective implementation and long-term sustainability.

“Firstly, strong political will and commitment at the highest levels must be maintained,” he said during his address at the launch event.

“Secondly, policy continuity is essential. Policy reversals with changing administrations create uncertainty and discourage potential investors.

“Thirdly, cross-ministerial cooperation is required for coordinated delivery and successful outcomes of the agro-industrial zones.

“Fourthly, to secure continuity across all 36 zones, the initiative must be codified by the National Assembly through appropriate legislation.

“Finally, to ensure proper coordination nationwide, this effort must be backed by law and institutional structures,” Adesina said.

The AfDB President commended the Federal Government and Kaduna State for their consistent support in making the Kaduna SAPZ project a reality.

Adesina described the development as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards transforming and industrialising its agricultural sector.

“This achievement reflects years of dedication, vision, and consistency in policy direction,” he said at the event.

He praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and Vice President Kashim Shettima’s continued commitment to SAPZ as a presidential priority.

He also lauded Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, for continuing the legacy of former Governor, Mal. Nasir El-Rufai.

“What we witness today exemplifies the benefits of political stability and consistent governance,” Adesina said.

He recalled that the idea of agro-industrial zones began during his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture over a decade ago.

“The project was delayed by institutional inertia and fragmented approaches, but today we celebrate its renewal and progress,” he said.

Kaduna SAPZ is part of the first phase, involving eight states and the Federal Capital Territory in the ambitious initiative.

The AfDB has invested $200 million in the $510 million project, co-financed by IFAD, IsDB, and the Green Climate Fund.

Adesina emphasised that SAPZ is more than a programme; it is a transformation agenda for Nigeria’s agricultural and rural development.

Vice President Shettima, representing President Tinubu, reiterated the government’s dedication to agricultural transformation for economic growth.

The SAPZ initiative aims to make Nigeria a leading hub for food processing and agricultural exports.

Kaduna is expected to serve as a model for other states participating in the SAPZ programme.

Government officials, development partners, and stakeholders present at the event pledged their full support for the project’s success. (NAN) 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Ese E. Eniola Williams

SAPZ project strategic to FG’s plan for industrialise agriculture – Shettima
Economy/Business

SAPZ project strategic to FG’s plan for industrialise agriculture – Shettima

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government says the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), is a strategic milestone in its plan to industrialise Nigeria’s agriculture sector and create sustainable jobs across the country.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima said this while performing the ground-breaking for the construction of Phase 1 of the SAPZ project in Kaduna on Tuesday.

The SAPZ is part of a larger national programme, with Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among states in the first phase of the project.

It aims at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation, private-sector investment, and strategic public partnerships.

The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand rural economic opportunities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility is located in Daki-Takwas, along Kaduna -Abuja, Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Shettima said the project was a direct response to the long-standing challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyse economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.

“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people.

“It is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” he said.

According to Shettima the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation.

He said the SAPZ initiative was a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”

Shettima praised the Kaduna State government for its leadership in agriculture, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production.

“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.

The vice-president reiterated the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution.” The SAPZ will generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.

“The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he said.

Earlier, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani described the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria.

He said, “the SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development,” he said.

According to Sani, agriculture plays a central role in Kaduna’s economy, contributing 42 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 60 per cent of the state workforce.

“In the 2023 budget we inherited, agriculture received just N1.4 billion. However, in 2024, we increased it to N23.4 billion, and in 2025, we have approved N74.2 billion,” he said.

Also. the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, applauded Kaduna’s commitment to the actualisation of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialisation in the state’s economic growth.

While reiterating the bank’s commitment to the project, he said the initiative was currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history.

“This programme will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development.

“It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favourably to the challenges of our time,” the minister said.

The SAPZ programme is being implemented with support from international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The ground-breaking was witnessed by government dignitaries, stakeholders and partners who commended and pledged commitment to the project. (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

FG inaugurates CIPMN council, seeks stronger industry support
Economy/Business

FG inaugurates CIPMN council, seeks stronger industry support

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government has inaugurated the governing council of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN), urging the body to play a more active role in supporting industrial growth.

The Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, inaugurated the council on Tuesday in Abuja.

The minister, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Policy and Government, Dr Adedeji Adeshile, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening local industries.

He said that the government had earlier outlined its industrial agenda which prioritised automobile manufacturing and in-country industrialisation.

“I bring good tidings and encouragement to the newly inaugurated global council.

“This year, we released an agenda to support industrialisation, and we look forward to the council to do more to drive this vision,” Enoh said.

He expressed optimism about the proceedings and urged stakeholders to work collaboratively toward achieving national industrial goals.

The Director-General of CIPMN, Mr Henry Mbadiwe, commended the minister for his presence and emphasised the importance of the institute in regulating project management in Nigeria.

“CIPMN is the only regulatory body responsible for overseeing project management activities across all sectors.

“Project management is not limited to construction; it cuts across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, and business transformation,” Mbadiwe said.

He said that the institute, established by an act of the National Assembly and recognised by the President, was mandated to ensure that all project managers in Nigeria were licensed.

“If you are going to lead project delivery in this country, you must be licensed by this institute,” he said.

Mbadiwe further said that regulations made by CIPMN would be gazetted and enforced as law.

The inauguration, attended by key industry stakeholders, marked a significant step in strengthening project management and industrial development in the country.

Responding on behalf of the council members, the CIPMN President, Emmanuel Afolayan, pledged the commitment and dedication of members to drive the institute’s mandate.

“Our mandate is clear, and by the grace of God, we will adhere to it and do everything possible to ensure that our country is a better place for all its citizens,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Expert blames abandoned projects on under-utilisation of Quantity Surveyors
Politics

Expert blames abandoned projects on under-utilisation of Quantity Surveyors

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By EricJames Ochigbo

A former President of Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Malam Murtala Aliyu, has blamed the rising cases of abandoned projects in the country on gross under-utilisation of Quantity Surveyors.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, Aliyu described quantity surveyors as experts in cost management.

Aliyu, who is the Secretary-General of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), put the figure of the quantity surveyor currently available in the country at 10,000, saying that this was grossly inadequate.

According to him, when the functions of quantity surveyors are properly understood, their presence will be required at all levels where value for money is needed.

Aliyu said that each of the 774 local government areas and all the 36 state in the country, with ministries implementing capital projects, required the services of quantity surveyors.

“We have universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, construction companies and so on; they all require quantity surveyors in their relevant departments.

“If you look at the situation in the country, I think we (quantity surveyors) are still very few and we need to build up the numbers.

“But because of the approach and the economy, you may still have some quantity surveyors that are either unemployed or under-unemployed, because people are still not going through the process.

”If we go through the process as we should, when we engage the appropriate professionals, you will not have trillions of Naira uncompleted projects in the country.

“Today, if you go around the country and assess the quantum of uncompleted projects, you will be shocked the value of the money tied down that is not being utilised.

“This is because of the under-utilisation of professionals who can generally tell you how to plan your project and how to execute it at the approximate cost within a given time frame,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

UniAbuja awards N5.45m grant to 6 undergraduates for research
Education

UniAbuja awards N5.45m grant to 6 undergraduates for research

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By Uche Bibilari

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has presented a total of N5.450 million in grants to six undergraduate students from different departments in the university for research projects.

The Vice Chancellor, UniAbuja, Prof. Aisha Maikudi presented the cheque to the students at the 6th Undergraduate Research Day organised by the Centre for Undergraduates Research on Tuesday in Abuja.

The research day has its theme as: Promoting National Development Through Research.

Maikudi said that the event was an important platform that underscores the critical role of research in driving national development.

She said that UniAbuja was committed to fostering an environment where curiosity thrives, creativity flourishes, and innovation leads to solutions for societal challenges.

“This commitment aligns perfectly with our theme, Promoting National Development Through Research, which calls for purposeful inquiry and actionable outcomes.

“As undergraduates, you are the next generation of thought leaders and change-makers.

“Your involvement in research today prepares you not only for academic excellence but also for contributing meaningfully to our nation’s growth.

“Whether it is in addressing health challenges, advancing technology, enhancing governance, or ensuring sustainability, the solutions to our greatest national issues lie in the quality of ideas that emerge from platforms like this,” she said.

The vice chancellor said that the purpose of the research was not just to acquire knowledge but to transform it into progress for society.

She encouraged all participants to engage actively, collaborate effectively, and think boldly.

Maikudi said the university would continue to sponsor the students, saying there was a need to catch them young.

She advised the researcher to use the money for the purpose which it was meant for.

The VC commended the centre and staff who mentored the students for their dedication to nurturing young minds and providing them with the tools to tackle real-world problems.

Similarly, the Director, Centre for Undergraduates Research, Prof. Taibat Atoyebi said the centre was established to promote research and create opportunities for undergraduate students across all departments in the university.

Atoyebi said the centre has helped students achieve and nurture their research potentials by building and developing their research skills to find solutions to the challenges plaguing the society.

According to her, for a student to be eligible for grant, the student’s research must be original, acceptable, practicable, sustainable and mentored.

She said that the researches were expected to cover areas such as; economic prosperity, food security, educational opportunity, quality health, climate change, environmental protection, among others.

The director said the goal of the centre was to foster growth that would have a lasting impact on our immediate community.

She explained that in preparation for the research day, twenty groups of students expressed interest in the centre’s research grant.

“Thirteen teams were shortlisted to submit research proposals, and were given the opportunity to orally defend their proposals. Six research proposals scaled through and are being presented today.

“A total of N5.45 million is the total grant being awarded. We are currently receiving applications and proposals from interested groups of students for the next batch of grants.

“We have modified our criteria to include sustainable development goals (SDGs), that is our student researches must directly be traced to any of the SDGs and must be able to solve our pertinent societal needs, ” she said.

She said that research output from the proposal of the 6th research would be presented during the 7th research day in the second semester.

She thanked the vice chancellor for her support to the centre and also the mentors for their dedication.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the presentation of the cheque to the six researchers. (NAN)

Edited by Peter Amine

Southern Kaduna appointees visit ongoing projects, laud Gov Sani
General News

Southern Kaduna appointees visit ongoing projects, laud Gov Sani

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Amen Gajira

Political appointees from the southern part of Kaduna State on Sunday visited some ongoing development projects in their senatorial district.

Among the officials were Dr James Kanyip, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, and Mr Jerry Adams, Executive Chairman, Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service.

Also in the visiting team were Dr Abdullahi Baba-Ahmed, Managing Director, Kaduna State Roads Agency, Mr Peter Dogara, Chairman of Jema’a Local Government, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the officials were particularly interested in projects where progress had stagnated.

Among projects visited were the 20-kilometre Ungwan-Rimi – NEPA Roundabout road in Kafanchan whose rehabilitation started in 2020.

Its completion term had since elapsed with more than half of the job not done.

Other projects visited included the rehabilitation of the 22-kilometre Gwantu-Godogodo road and the skills acquisition centre in Samaru, Zango- Kataf Local Government.

Speaking on the visit, Kanyip said that the government would ensure the completion of the projects to bring some relief to members of the public.

He commended Gov. Uba Sani for the renewed zeal to execute development projects that would boost the economy and shore up the living standard of the residents of the senatorial district.

While highlighting the importance of the Kafanchan township project, he said that it would “provide essential access for thousands, particularly during the Christmas season”.

“The coming of the Gov. Sani administration has been a blessing to the south of Kaduna and we are thankful for these developments that will enhance mobility and commerce in the area,” he said.

Kanyip said that key initiatives like the skills acquisition centre would empower local youths with valuable skills and economic opportunities.

He recalled that the region recently celebrated the inauguration of a modern science school in Manchok, saying that the feat was a reflection of the government’s commitment to educational advancement.

Adams, who also spoke with newsmen, expressed happiness with the “flourishing infrastructure activities across the state”.

He pointed out that the success of the projects depended on the support of taxpayers.

“Without their compliance, we cannot hit these milestones,” he declared.

He urged Kaduna residents to fulfil their civic duties and contribute to the growth of their communities.

On his part, Ahmed disclosed that work on the Ungwan Rimi-NEPA Roundabout road initially stalled due to lack of funding.

“But work has been revitalised under the current administration,” he said.

According to him, the cost of the project has been revised downward from N13 billion to N9.3 billion, while “substantial tunds” have been allocated for immediate disbursement to expedite the project’s completion.

Ahmed further shared plans for additional major road projects across the region.

“There is the 22.8-kilometre road connecting Madauchi to Kafanchan through Madakiya; it is designed to modern standards, alongside another expansive road connecting Kibam to Godogodo with two major bridges,” he said.

He said that the administration was faced with a huge debt  inherited from previous regimes, adding that the ongoing projects represented a concerted effort to prioritise and complete essential infrastructure.

“The commitment shown by Gov Sani and his team demonstrates a determined vision for a brighter future in the south of Kaduna.

“As construction continues in the region, political leaders and citizens are encouraged to support these initiatives to foster a collaborative effort towards a strong economy that will birth opportunities for the people,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

Area councils’ road projects: Wike optimistic of meeting December deadline
Metro

Area councils’ road projects: Wike optimistic of meeting December deadline

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the ongoing roads projects across the six area councils of the FCT would be completed in December.

Wike stated this after he inspected some ongoing road projects in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Wike had, in February 2024, inaugurated the construction of several road projects in satellite towns and rural communities across the six area councils of the territory.

The projects, meant to transform rural economies and improve the quality of rural dwellers, were expected to be completed in December.

Some of the projects inspected on Wednesday included the ongoing Dutse – Bwari  road resurfacing and the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council.

The minister also inspected the reconstruction of 25-kilometre Kwaita – Yebu and the 11km Yangoji – Sukuku – Eba road projects, in Kwali Area Council.

The minister, who said he didn’t want to be pessimistic, expressed confidence that the contractors would deliver the projects on agreed timelines.

“You know we had heavy rains this year, and we gave contractors December to complete the projects, but you can see the level of job they have done; quality job, and this is in rural areas.

“We are still working on the December deadline. I don’t want to say that the roads would not be completed. I don’t want to be pessimistic.

“I have seen the contractors, and they told me that they will complete the roads and hand them over to us in December; let us keep to it. I think there is no need to doubt them.

“In as much as we do our own part, I am sure they will also fulfil their own promise,” Wike said.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of the projects inspected so far, adding that when completed, the roads would have a positive impact on benefiting. communities.

He promised to do everything possible to make sure that the contractors get paid.

“When you see contractors who are committed, you on your own part, as government, will also carry out your own obligation by making sure they are funded in order to complete the roads and make the people happy,” he said.

He explained that he decided to go round some of the projects to see things for himself and not be told stories.

He added that the expanse of land in rural communities, if properly harnessed, would address the problem of food security in the FCT.

On what is in store for other communities in the FCT, the minister pointed out that government was continuum, adding that the current administration would do all it can to reach many communities with life-impacting projects.

He assured that President Bola Tinubu-led administration would complete all projects embarked upon, while the next administration would continue from the administration stops.

“We cannot solve all problems. Even if you are in office for 20 years, there will still be problems, but what is important is that people can see that you are making efforts to reduce their burden.

“That is what is important.

“So, like I said before, all areas in Abuja, be it in the city, be it in satellite towns, will all feel the impact of this government,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Wike directs contractor to complete road project in 7 months
Metro

Wike directs contractor to complete road project in 7 months

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has directed the contractor executing the construction of access road to Judges Quarters, CGC Nig. Ltd, to complete the project in seven months.

Wike gave the timeline during the official commencement of the construction of the access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by N16, to Judges Quarters, in Katampe District, Abuja on Tuesday.

The project also involves the construction of internal roads within the Judges’ Quarters.

The minister explained that the seven months ultimatum was for the project to be ready for inauguration in May, to celebrate President Bola Tinubu second year in office.

He told the contractor that 70 per cent of the contract sum was already provided for in the budget.

“So, you have to work day and night to make sure that Mr President commissioned the project on his second year anniversary,” he said.

Beyond the city centre, the minister said that about 65-kilometre roads would be completed and inaugurated across the six area councils of the FCT.

This, he said, was contrary to the erroneous views that the FCT Administration was concentrating development at the city centre.

He added that several other projects would be initiated across some area councils in a few days.

On education, Wike said that no fewer than 25 schools have been pencilled down for total rehabilitation.

The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended judges in the FCT, whose commitment to justice and integrity inspires the FCT Administration to embark on the project.

“We are honoured to enhance your working environment with this new access road to the Judges’ Quarters under construction, which was designed to enhance the functionality of the judicial system.

“We have taken an important step in supporting our judiciary and reinforcing our commitment to justice.

“Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for our community,” she said.

Also, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the road, when completed, would open up Katampe District and other adjoining districts.

Ahmad explained that the project was a 2.7-kilometre six lane arterial road connecting Katampe with Shehu Shagari Way, with an interchange over the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.

“Along with this is the provision of engineering infrastructure, embodying water supply, power supply as well as storm water drainage facilities.

“We intend to provide solar street lights to light up the entire stretch of the road,” he added.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep.Tajudeen Abbas, described the project as a significant stride towards strengthening urban infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Abuja.

Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, said: “Infrastructure development is not just the foundation upon which economies are built; it is the lifeblood of national progress.

“In a rapidly urbanising world, infrastructure, particularly in urban centres like Abuja, is crucial to fostering sustainable development, enhancing economic growth, and improving the well-being of our citizens.

“The construction of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure facilitates the movement of people, goods, and services, which in turn spurs productivity, creates jobs, and improves the living standards of all Nigerians.”

He noted the country’s infrastructure deficit, estimated at about 3 trillion dollars, over the next 30 years to close the infrastructure gap and achieve the level of development required for sustained economic growth.

He identified road network, power supply, housing, healthcare, and education as key areas requiring urgent attention. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

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