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2nd anniversary: Tinubu performance in FCT unprecedented – Wike
General News

2nd anniversary: Tinubu performance in FCT unprecedented – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the performance of President Bola Tinubu in the FCT in the last two years is unprecedented.

Wike stated this in Abuja on Thursday, after he inspected some ongoing projects in preparation for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second anniversary.

The minister said he was very happy with the achievements recorded by Tinubu, particularly as it concerns the FCT saying “it has never happened before”.

He said that Tinubu has done tremendously well, adding that his performance was evident in every part of the country.

Wike said that following the visible performance, Nigerians were already advocating that Tinubu should be given another opportunity to serve.

“Tinubu’s achievements in FCT are unprecedented, and in the next two and four years, you’ll see what is going to happen in this country.

“Yesterday I said the simple truth, all of us who are critics have said before that Abuja was not working but have now confessed that Abuja is now working.

“Who has made it to work? It is Mr President,” he said.

The minister said he would concentrate and focus on the assignment given to him by Tinubu to transform Abuja to a befitting capital city that Nigerians would be proud of.

Speaking on the projects’ inspection, Wike said that the move was to ensure that the contractors deliver the projects as promised.

He said he was particularly impressed with the delivery of the Apo to Wassa Junction Road, (the left-wing service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway). Which he said was 100 per cent completed.

He said that the Apo – Wassa road would also be fitted with streetlights to improve security in the area, adding that the contractor CGC has already submitted a proposal to that effect.

“We also went to N20 Interchange to connect Wole Soyinka Way with the Murtala Mohammed Expressway, popularly known as Kubwa Expressway which would be completed and inaugurated.

“We equally inspected the access road from the Obafemi Awolowo Way to the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal in Dakibiyu District, which is also expected to be completed and inaugurated.

“Frankly speaking, like I have always said, the residents of Abuja deserve the best and the contractors are doing their best I can assure you that.

“For me, I cannot give nothing less,” he said.

The minister said that Tinubu had insisted that Nigeria deserved the best “and we will do everything we can to make sure we give them the best.

“You can see the infrastructure in terms of roads. It is unimaginable and we will continue to do that.”

He, however, called on residents of the FCT to also perform their obligation and support the administration for the interest of Abuja and the entire Nigerians. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Tinubu pledges to boost road infrastructure nationwide 
Metro

Tinubu pledges to boost road infrastructure nationwide 

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By Angela Atabo

President Bola Tinubu says his vision is to complete and expand all key road infrastructure projects across Nigeria to improve nationwide connectivity.

Tinubu, represented by Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State stated this on Sunday during the inauguration of section two of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway project.

He said the road is a vital link between the South and North, and the government is committed to easing travel across the country.

“My vision is to overhaul Nigeria’s roadways by completing and expanding critical infrastructure projects nationwide,” Tinubu stated.

He acknowledged that some projects began under past administrations but praised his government for refining partnerships, addressing funding issues, and setting new completion timelines.

“In almost two years, we’ve awarded several new road projects, many of which have already been completed to boost trade, productivity, and regional development,” Tinubu said.

He added that no part of Nigeria is being neglected in the ongoing infrastructure upgrades sweeping across the nation under his leadership.

Tinubu said Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria have especially benefited from major infrastructure improvements since his administration began.

He highlighted the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway as a landmark project and one of Nigeria’s most critical road networks.

The road connects the Federal Capital Territory with about 12 states across the north-central, northwest, and northeast, aiding both economic and social development.

Also, Tinubu approved an 11-kilometre extension to connect the road to Aminu Kano International Airport.

He also added 10 kilometres at the start of section one, between Kogi State and Abuja, for greater coverage.

Tinubu directed that solar-powered lights be installed throughout the road for safety and illumination.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, praised Tinubu’s dedication to improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, especially in the road sector.

Umahi revealed that the 700-kilometre road would be completed using concrete-reinforced pavement within 14 months.

He said the project spans 350 kilometres each way from Abuja, passing through Niger State to Kaduna, Zaria, and ending in Kano.

The minister confirmed that Julius Berger had completed 480 kilometres of the Kano section, with 280 kilometres remaining to be done.

Umahi stated that construction of sections one and three, totalling 118 kilometres, had been awarded for N252 billion with 30 per cent upfront payment to Infiouest.

He added that section two, 82 kilometres each way (164 kilometres total), had been flagged off at a cost of N525 billion.

The entire road project, close to a trillion naira in total, is being executed by Infiouest, which Umahi endorsed as reliable.

Umahi assured Nigerians of progress and said the ministry would return in 30 days to assess the ongoing work.

He disclosed plans for zonal engagements across the six geopolitical zones to report on road and bridge achievements under the Tinubu administration.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, reaffirmed Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Goronyo called Tinubu a leader for all regions, with dedication to every corner of the country.

“We deeply appreciate your efforts; your impact is felt nationwide,” Goronyo said.

He commended Tinubu for projects in Illela, Sokoto, Lagos, and Badagry, highlighting them as part of major legacy superhighways.

“This is a performing President, bringing renewed hope and positive change to Nigerian lives,” Goronyo added.

He encouraged communities to support the contractors, governors, and the president in building a prosperous and transformed Nigeria. (NAN) 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will withstand flood for 50 years – FG
Metro

Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will withstand flood for 50 years – FG

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Highway

By Chigozie-Ngwakwe

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has given the assurance that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway when completed would withstand flood for about 50 years.

Umahi gave the assurance at a stakeholder engagement on Section 2 of the highway project on Sunday in Lagos.

“We will make sure that our pavement level is going to counter any climate change,” he said.

According to him, the pavement level would be at the first floor of many buildings.

“To retain the road, we are going to be building retaining board. It has already started.

“We also have the cable duct so you don’t have to cut the road.

“MTN, African Plus or any other network doesn’t have to cut the road. The cables are there, I saw them.”

He reiterated that there would be closed circuit television cameras on the road so that the response time for any issue would be less than five minutes.

The minister also said that the highway would have an evacuation corridor.

” We are going to be earning carbon credit by the reason of the use of concrete pavement which will have no emission.”

He said that trees would be planted all through on the road to make it exciting.

“We have the Dangote Refinery. You need about 60 metres clearance for the trucks to go in and out.

“We are now building a flyover that has a span of 60 metres, and then the next span is 41.6 metres counterbalance.

“We are flying over Dangote Refinery, and the seven axial road is coming. It is going to be a point to behold. It is going to be another tourist site.

” Let me announce that along the corridor, there are lands that the state government has given us the right so we can build what I call relief centres where you can stop to have snacks, buy petrol.”

He added that supermarkets and medical facilities would be part of the centres.

Umahi thanked stakeholders for their support.

“Let me thank you all for coming to this public engagement.

“There are some people who are here not because they have money to claim but because of the love they have for this development.”

He also praised the contractor handling the project, Hitech Construction Company, for excellence and timeliness. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

NDDC clarifies status of Abraka-Oben Road project
Niger Delta

NDDC clarifies status of Abraka-Oben Road project

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By Nefishetu Yakubu

Mr Patrick Aisowieren, the Commissioner Representing Edo State on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board, said on Friday that the Abraka-Oben road project has not been completed.

Speaking with newsmen in Benin, Aisowieren explained that the Minister of Regional Development, Mr Abubakar Momoh, had only commissioned the first phase of the 9.8-kilometre Abraka-Oben road.

“This phase terminates between Edo and Delta states near Evbuesi village.”

He also mentioned that future phases of the project were planned, with the second phase set to extend from Evbuesi to Ugo, including a spur at Oben.

Aisowieren was responding to protests by the Ugu Youths Development for Change, who had claimed that the minister had inaugurated a non-existent Abraka-Oben road project.

He emphasised that the protesting youths had misrepresented the facts about the road’s progress and status, and clarified that the project was still ongoing and incomplete.

He further clarified that the federal government had neither completed nor commissioned the road, explaining that work on the project was ongoing and being carried out in phases.

Aisowieren also confirmed that the NDDC and other partners were working together to improve the living conditions of the region’s people through ongoing infrastructure projects.

The commissioner highlighted that the Oben section of the road project had not been completed and criticised the misleading narrative spread by the protesting youths.

He also pointed out that work on the Orhionmwon section of the Oben-Umugun road, which connects to the Benin-Abraka highway, had not yet begun.

Aisowieren commended the Minister for prioritising these roads in the 2024 budget and assured the public that the link roads would soon be developed.

It is worth noting that Comrade Monday Osemwenkhae, leader of the protesting youths, had earlier led journalists on a tour of the community to assess the true state of the road.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Tinubu’s administration is about Nigerians not party, says Wike
Metro

Tinubu’s administration is about Nigerians not party, says Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is not about party but about changing the lives of Nigerians.

Wike stated this while inaugurating the five-kilometre dualised Kuje township road, from Tipper Garage Junction to LEA Secretariat, in Kuje Area Council, Abuja.

He explained that the execution of various people-oriented projects across the six area councils was in fulfilment of Tinubu’s pre-election promise to residents of Abuja.

“You have fulfilled your own part. The covenant Mr President has entered with you was that you should vote for him.

“Having voted for him, Mr President is now coming to fulfil part of his own agreement.

“You, having performed your own agreement, Tinubu is now coming to perform his agreement by providing basic infrastructure for you.

“We know we have not gotten to the point you all want but by the grace of God, we will get there.

“My people say, ‘small, small, you will catch a monkey.’ We are getting there,” the minister said.

Wike, who could not hide his excitement over the display of joy by the people of Kuje, stressed that the essence of governance was to make people happy.

“Since you are happy, then we are happy; when you are not happy, we cannot be happy,” he added.

The minister added that the Tinubu-led government understands the plights of the people, describing it as a “government that communicates with the people.”

He explained that only Tinubu’s administration gives residents the opportunity to ask for what they want, and the government would fulfil their demands.

“So, the renewed hope agenda is a reality. I can assure you that with your continued support, you will get more projects in Kuje,” he said.

Wike explained that the Kuje township road was executed following a demand by the Gomo of Kuje, Jibrin Tanko, who equally appealed for the completion of Airport Road to Kuje.

He explained that the project was awarded to Arab Contractors by the previous administration at more than N59 billion.

He said that to renew the hope of residents of Kuje, Tinubu government had recalled the contractor, and the project was ongoing and would be completed soon.

He also said that the FCT Administration had promised to dualise Kuje to Gwagwalada Road, adding that work had already begun by Gilmor Engineering ltd.

The Minister also announced the Administration’s decision to extend the Airport Road to Kuje up to Pegi and from Pegi, in response to the demand of the residents.

“President Tinubu has approved the extension of Airport Road – Kuje Road to Pegi. We will also continue from there to Kwakwu.

“By the grace of God, when we are presenting our statutory budget to the National Assembly, we will include it.

“Again, sometime last year, we went to China and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CGC, a Chinese company to provide water to satellite towns.

“One of the benefiting area councils is Kuje Area Council,” he said.

Wike also said that Tinubu has provided N50 billion in the 2025 budget to provide water to the satellite towns, adding that Kuje would be a beneficiary.

Earlier, the Chairman of the council, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, commended Wike for investing huge resources for the development of area councils.

Sabo said that Wike’s dream of transforming satellite towns in FCT was becoming a reality, adding that Kuje was wearing a new look following the Minister’s intervention.

Thanked the Minister for extending the contract for the dualisation of Kuje to Gwagwalada Road.

He appealed for the extension of the ongoing construction of Airport – Kuje Road, from Kuje to Kwaku, covering 27 kilometres.

He said that the request was necessary due to the importance of the road, to connect more than 100 villages and communities to Abuja city, via Kuje.

“The road, if constructed, will address the challenge of insecurity in that axis, improve agricultural production, transportation of agricultural produce to urban centres and reduce rural urban migration.

“As area council, we have one bush clearance, constructed culvert and graded the road while construction of three bridges is ongoing across three major rivers along the road,” he said.

The chairman also appealed to the Minister to connect Kuje to the Lower Usuma Dam water for the residents to enjoy clean water.

According to him, since the creation of Kuje Area Council, the residents rely heavily on boreholes for clean water.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Wike’s projects beaming light of hope on rural communities – Etsu Kwali
Metro

Wike’s projects beaming light of hope on rural communities – Etsu Kwali

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu of Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s rural road projects are beaming a light of hope on rural communities.

Nizassan stated this while reacting to the newly inaugurated 11-kilometre Yangoji – Sukuku – Ebbo Road in the area council executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, that the communities contribute 30 per cent of food production to the Kwali Area Council.

He described the road project as the most impactful project undertaken by the Wike-led FCT Administration to transform rural communities.

According to him, the construction of the road has renewed the hope and trust of his people in President Bola Tinubu-led federal government and the commitment to deliver good governance to the people.

“No one would have thought that these communities would receive such massive infrastructural intervention until Wike beamed the light of hope on us.

“This road will increase agricultural production by enhancing the movement of farm machines and reducing the cost of transporting agricultural inputs.

“The communities are now accessible for businesses and the evacuation of agricultural products to larger markets, thereby, increasing the economic value of agricultural products.

“This will have a direct bearing on food security and poverty reduction.”

The traditional ruler added that one of the immediate benefits of the road was the significant improvement of security in the area.

He explained that the communities were hitherto prone to kidnappings and other security challenges.

“The road has now provided security agencies the needed access to patrol and respond to distress calls promptly, thus, de-escalating the activities of criminal elements in the area,” he said.

NAN reports that the FCT Minister had on Monday begun the inauguration of completed road projects in rural communities across the six area councils of the territory, beginning with a five-kilometre road in Abaji Area Council.

Wike, said while inaugurating the 11-kilometre Yangoji–Sukuku–Ebo Road on Tuesday, that the gesture was part of Tinubu’s commitment to develop rural communities. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

How Wike’s road project promotes socio-economic activities in FCT community 
Metro

How Wike’s road project promotes socio-economic activities in FCT community 

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By Philip Yatai

Residents of Saburi I and II communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council, have described the recently constructed road in the community initiated by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a “game changer.”

Some of the residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, that the road project had significantly improved socio-economic activities in the area.

NAN correspondent alongside other members of the Ministers’ Press Corps, visited the  community to assess the impact of road projects on FCT communities.

NAN recalled that Wike had on Jan. 21, 2024, inaugurated the construction of a 5-kilometre access road, connecting Saburi 1 and 11 and Dei Dei International Market.

The minister had said that the road, from Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Dei DeI International Market, was designed to ease the suffering of the people, particularly during the wet season.

The residents told NAN that the road had improved their businesses and triggered enormous socio-economic activities and other developmental strides in the area.

One of the residents, Mr Emmanuel Ogboh, a shop owner, said that businesses in the community had improved owing to the increased vehicular movement since the construction of the road.

The visibly excited Ogboh thanked Wike for extending his developmental agenda to Saburi community.

Also, Mrs Justina Ocheche, who sells beans cake, popularly known as Akara, said that her business had improved since the completion of the road.

Ocheche said that when the road was not completed her akara business suffered due to heavy dust particularly during the dry season and mud during the raining season.

“However, since Wike happened, there is no more dust or mud; people are now moving freely and we are experiencing significant patronage.

“God will bless Wike and his generation yet unborn because of what he did for us in Saburi and Dei Dei,” She said.

The akara seller, however, called on the FTC administration to tackle the epileptic electricity and portable water supply in the community.

“Sometimes this community stays two weeks without water supply due to epileptic power supply,”she decried.

Village Head of Saburi, Alhaji Muhammad Yamawo

A furniture maker, Mr Nicholas Emmanuel, said that the dust that before now emanated from the road had affected furniture business in the community.

He explained that furniture  made of fabrics accumulates dust, making it unattractive to prospective buyers.

He added that residents were always putting on nose masks to protect them from the dust and prevent catarrh.

“Now the dust is over and so is our catarrh.

“We thank God that the minister remembered us in Saburi and we pray that God will keep him to continue the good work he has started,”he prayed.

For Mr Akin Akinwande, a car wash owner in the community, said that the road network was a game changer for his business.

“Before now, you barely see 20 cars pass through this community in a day, but now more than 100 ply this road daily.

“This is good for our businesses and we thank Wike and President Bola Tinubu for this gesture,” he said.

Mr Emeka Oduma, a truck driver, said “I am very impressed with what Wike did for us in this village; I am happy and everybody is happy that our minister is doing a good job.

“I have been in Saburi 1 for close to 10 years and the road was in terrible state, but thank God for Wike who is setting a good example for others to follow,”he said.

Describing Wike as a “good man” , Oduma urged the minister to continue with the good works by opening more roads in rural communities of the FCT.

The Village Head of Saburi, Alhaji Muhammad Yamawo, who could not hide his joy, described the road project as its “new bride.”

“This road is like someone who has never gotten married and when he finally does, he feels like the whole world belongs to him.

“We have suffered a lot due to the absence of a good road in Saburi, but we are happy that Wike has finally wiped our tears,” he said.

The village head also commended the minister for the ongoing construction of a Police Station and a hospital in the community.

NAN reports that the 5-kilometre Saburi to Dei Dei road is among several road projects awarded by the Wike-led FCT Administration in rural communities across the six area councils of the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

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

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