NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Defence/Security

Monitor influx of suspicious persons into FCT – Wike tells security agencies

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed security agencies to monitor the influx of people that could pose security threats into FCT.

The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the FCT Security Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

The meeting, which was chaired by Wike, was attended by the chairmen of the six area councils of the FCT.

Disu said that the minister has directed the security agencies to set up a committee to effectively monitor the influx of “Almajiris” and suspicious individuals into the territory.

Amlajiris are children who leave their families to study Islam in Qur’anic schools, mostly in the northern part of the country.

He said that the members of the committee would include all security operatives in the FCT, namely the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

He explained that the committee would work with the chairmen of the area councils to identify Almajiri schools where children were brought to learn.

He added that the committee was also expected to profile the school owners and the content of the training.

The commissioner said that the committee would work with the owners of the school, particularly to find out from them what the government could do for them.

The steps, according to him, will ensure the safety of the children, the schools and the host communities.

Disu explained that the move was part of FCT Administration’s proactive measures in addressing security concerns in the territory.

He said that the committee was giving two weeks to report back to the minister.

He said that clearance operation was ongoing across the FCT, adding that five persons, suspecting could post security threats in the territory have been arrested and were being investigated.

“Meanwhile, we want to enjoin all residents of the FCT to be security conscious and take note of any new person coming into their areas and report to appropriate authorities

“Everybody should be security conscious. Please let us profile people coming into our environment; we need to know them,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

How Wike’s bus terminal projects create 3,000 jobs for Abuja residents

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By Philip Yatai

The ongoing construction of three bus and taxi terminals by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, has created more than 3,000 jobs for the residents of Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike in July 2024, inaugurated the construction of three bus and taxi terminals, one each in Mabushi, Central Area and Kugbo.

The move, according to the minister, is to ensure a secure and convenient travel experience for commuters in the FCT and create job opportunities for the residents.

Mr Rasheed Sholadoye, the Project Manager, Planet Projects, the company executing the projects, told NAN that the 3,000 workers comprised both skilled, unskilled artisans and security.

Sholadoye said that part of the conditions in the contract required the company to employ residents in the execution of the project as part of FCT Administration’s strategy for job creation.

“FCT residents have enjoyed enormously from this project. We have employed a whole lot of them.

“You know it’s a construction site and certain workers will be needed at certain stages of the construction.

“It’s difficult to give you an exact number but more than 3,000 residents have been engaged and more will be employed as the work progresses,” he said.

Kugbo Bus and Taxi Terminal, Abuja, at 85 per cent completion

He said that while the construction of the bus terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo commenced in July 2024, that of Central Area commenced two months later.

He explained that the delay followed the relocation of some underground facilities at the project site located close to eagle square.

The project manager expresses optimism that despite the delay, the projects were still on track and would be delivered as scheduled.

He disclosed that Mabushi bus terminal has reached 92 per cent completion stage, the Kugbo terminal at 85 per cent completion while that of Central Area at about 50 per cent.

“Hopefully with our schedule and programme of work, by the grace of God, the terminals in Mabushi and Kubo will be ready for inauguration by the end of February.

“On the other hand, the one in Central Area will be ready in May.

“The projects are all encompassing with commercial activities in all the terminals, including cinema halls, where people can relax while waiting for their bus.

“We are bringing state of the art facilities, especially the one in Central Area. It will be a terminal that the people of Abuja will love to see and enjoy,” he said.

29-year-old welder, Mr Happiness Johnson, working at Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminal, Abuja

Some of the workers at the sites, who lauded the initiative, lauded Wike for putting food on their table.

One of them, a 29-year-old welder, Mr Happiness Johnson, who lives in Kubwa, said the project has provided him with a stable job.

Johnson, who thanked Wike for mandating the contractor to employ residents, said that the steady means of income significantly improved his standard of living.

On her part, a 31-year-old mother of four, Mrs Abigail Daniel, a cleaner at the Mabushi terminal, expressed optimism for a brighter future as a worker in the facility.

Daniel said she was working as a house help but lost the job when her employer travelled out of the country.

“Life was difficult for me and my children until I got this job. I am grateful to the FCT minister for making this happen for me,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Defence/Security

FCTA approves N3.6bn for construction of 3 police stations

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N3.6 billion for the construction of three police divisional headquarters and staff quarters in Kuje, Gwagwalada, and Kwali Area Councils.

Mr Adamu Gwary, Director of the Security Services Department, FCTA, said this in Abuja on Thursday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the first FCT Executive Committee meeting of 2025.

Gwary, a fellow of the National Defence College, stated that the move aimed to enhance security infrastructure across the FCT.

He recalled that in September 2024, the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, emphasised the need to bring security closer to the people, particularly those in satellite towns and rural communities.

The minister had also directed the provision of critical infrastructure, including the construction of two police divisional headquarters in each of the six area councils.

Gwary explained that nine divisional headquarters had already been approved and were near completion.

“At that time, nine were approved, and today, three more have been presented and approved, making it two divisional headquarters in each of the six area councils.

“This aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, ensuring effective, efficient, and adequate security for FCT residents.

“This support also fulfils the FCT minister’s promise to improve security in the city, satellite towns, and area councils, following his visit to the six area councils in 2024,” he said.

Gwary assured that security support would continue and noted that the Wike-led FCTA had made significant progress in tackling crime in the FCT.

He stated that insecurity indices in the territory were declining and reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to further reducing crime.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the minister’s support achieves the desired impact.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Mr Chidi Amadi, stated that the FCT Executive Committee meeting was the first in 2025 and the 12th under the Wike-led administration.

Amadi explained that 12 memos were presented at the meeting, some of which were stepped down, others withdrawn, and some updated for future presentation.

He added that the committee approved six memos focused on providing critical infrastructure in the FCT. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

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

Metro

Tinubu’s govt committed to rural devt – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, said that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was committed to the development of rural communities in the territory.

Wike stated this while inaugurating the newly constructed 11-kilometre Yangoji – Sukuku – Ebbo Road in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

He said that the communities in Kwali were the first to have newly constructed roads fitted with streetlights.

“That is to tell you that the government of Tinubu is committed to the development of our people.

“Therefore, all we urged you to do is just to be patient. If you are patient, at the end of the day, you will benefit from this administration.

‘Sometime last year, the Minister of State and I visited Kwali for a stakeholders’ meeting and in that meeting, you told us what your problems were.

“One of the requests you made that day was for us to construct this particular road.

“Thank God Almighty that we made that promise and today it is a promise made and a promise fulfilled,” Wike said.

The minister also said that the promise to build additional Police Stations in the area was being fulfilled, adding that the construction would be complete soon.

He equally promised to construct a bridge at River Ebbo to connect more communities in the area council, as requested by the council’s Chairman, Mr Danladi Chiya.

“Mr Chiya because you have led your people well; because you have supported this administration; and because your people are happy with you, let me tell you, that bridge will be done.

“Mr President said anything you want you should tell me and we will do it for you,” he added.

The  minister thanked Gilmor Construction Ltd, for completing the road project in time and for renovating Sukuku Primary School.

Also, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that though the 11km road may seem like a modest undertaking, “but its impact will be far-reaching.”

Mahmoud said that the road would enhance connectivity, reduce the challenges of insecurity, and open up opportunities for trade and commerce.

“It will also improve access to education and healthcare, thereby, empowering our rural population to lead healthier and more prosperous lives,” she said.

Earlier, Chiya thanked Wike for changing the landscape of rural communities in FCT.

He said that the road construction projects in the area council had connected several communities in the area and appealed for the construction of a bridge at River Ebbo to connect other communities.

According to him, the road network has significantly improved security in the area, saying, “We celebrated our Christmas without any hitch.

“We are saying thank you for what you have done to the Kwali Area Council.”

On his part, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCT Administration, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said that the project was awarded in January 2024.

“This project stands as a significant milestone and reflects the Administration’s dedication to bringing the gaps of infrastructure, ensuring that no community is left behind in the quest for progress and sustainable development.

“This is part of the FCT Minister’s commitment to change the face of rural communities through quality leadership.

“The road will significantly improve the living conditions of the residents who are predominantly agrarian by facilitating smoother access to market and vital services.

“This is a game changer for the people of Kwali, in line with the global goal for inclusive development and sustainable growth,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Metro

Etsu Kwali rates Wike high on schools’ rehabilitation across FCT

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has rated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike high on school rehabilitation and upgrade across the territory.

Nizassan stated this in an Interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

NAN reports that Wike had on March 21, 2024, inaugurated the rehabilitation, upgrade and reconstruction of public secondary schools across the FCT.

The Minister had explained that the move was part of President Bola Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve access to quality education in public schools.

The Kwali traditional ruler said that so far, renovations were ongoing in more than 75 schools across the six area councils of the FCT with some already completed.

He said that as of mid-2024, the Wike-led FCT Administration had renovated Government Technical Secondary School, Kwali, and Junior Government Secondary School, Pai.

He added that renovation of Government Secondary School, Kwali, was equally ongoing.

According to him, the rehabilitation programme is already improving access to quality and inclusive education in public schools across the FCT.

He particularly commended the FCT Minister for improving schools’ infrastructure, including provision of water and sanitation facilities.

“The resolve of the honourable Minister to improve access to quality education and ensure equity for all learners in FCT, including rural residents, is remarkable.

“Learning spaces are now safer and conducive. These potent learning opportunities are already yielding great results.

“Also, ensuring that all students in urban and rural areas have access to quality education is particularly empowering the natives and residents of FCT to live quality lives in the future.

Nizassan equally said that Wike’s schools’ intervention was already addressing inequality in the education sector by providing equal access to education and vocational training.

This, he said, was empowering the natives of FCT to lead sustainable lives and make decisions that improved their quality of life.

Describing Wike as “God’s sent”, the traditional ruler said that the Minister was realising the full vision of Tinubu’s administration for the people of FCT.

“The Minister’s achievements in just a year and few months had surpassed that of previous administrations put together.

“Wike’s remarkable achievements should be lauded and emulated by all duty bearers,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Gwagwalada residents laud Wike’s rural transformation projects

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By Philip Yatai

Some residents of Gwagwalada in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s rural transformation projects.

The residents gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gwagwalada on Sunday.

NAN recalls that Wike had on Feb. 1, 2024, inaugurated the construction of nine-kilometre Paikon Kore to Ibwa road in Gwagwalada.

Wike had explained that the project was one of several road projects to be constructed in rural areas across the six area councils of the FCT.

He added that the projects were designed to make rural dwellers comfortable and open rural communities for development.

Eight months later, the Minister, again, inaugurated the rehabilitation of the Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road, also in Gwagwalada.

The residents described the projects as “life changing”, adding that the impact on the socio-economic life of the people was overwhelming.

One of them, Mr Ibrahim Makeri, particularly said that the completed Paikon Kore – Ibwa road would impact significantly on agricultural production in the area.

Makeri added that before the road was constructed, most residents along the road corridor were cut off from Paikon Kore during the rainy season, due to flooding water.

He said that pupils who transited primary schools in Ibwa to junior secondary schools located in Paikon Kore were majorly affected.

The resident explained that most of the children do not go to school during rainy season because the rains usually flooded the road.

“With the road successfully constructed, anybody can go wherever he or she wishes to go,” he said.

Makeri appealed to the minister to extend the road beyond Ibwa to connect 70 other communities along the road corridor.

 Senior Project Manager, Setraco Nig. Ltd, Mr Senaka Rupanetti (2nd right) and some locals, employed by the company for the execution of Paikon Kore – Ibwa road in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT

The story was no different for Japhet Adamu, 23, Daniel Gaji, 20, and Yahaya Abdullahi, who were among the 75 locals employed by Setraco Nigeria Ltd, while executing the projects.

They told NAN that the development had transformed their lives for good.

Abdullahi, who held a Higher National Diploma in Quantity Survey, said he was recruited as one of the surveyors, adding that it was his first major job since graduation several years ago.

The Senior Project Manager of the company, Mr Senaka Rupanetti, told NAN that the project was completed in December 2024, two weeks before the delivery date.

Rupanetti explained that the nine-kilometre toad project, with about 17 culverts, was delivered before the delivery timeline because Wike ensured that they get paid on time.

Speaking on the Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road project, the affected residents on the market road corridor said that the project has turned things around in the area.

One of them, Mr Charles Eyo, who sells curtains, window blinds and other accessories on the road corridor, said that the road project has revamped businesses in the area.

“I have been paying rent for the past four years without making profit because the road was abandoned, leading to closure of most businesses.

“However, businesses are springing back to life since the commencement of the road project, and we thank Wike for that,” he said.

 The ongoing construction of Market Road in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT

Also, Mr Obi Nicodemus, who sells traveling bags, said politicians have been using the road to campaign for votes only to turn their back once they were voted into office.

“We are happy that Wike has finally wiped our tears and as you can see, businesses are coming back to life due to the ongoing road project,” he said.

Similarly, an Okada rider, Mr Monday Onoja said, “for ten years we have been suffering from this road, even those walking on legs finds it difficult to walk on the muddy road.

“We are grateful to Wike for smiling at us.”

The contractor, Mr Ebere Owhonda, Executive Director, Okmas Nig. Ltd, said that the project, expected to be completed in August had reached 40 per cent completion.

On his part, one of the community leaders, Mr Umar Abubakar, commended Wike for the resilience to improve the quality of life of rural dwellers.

Abubakar said that the Paokon Kore and that market road projects were abandoned by the previous administration.

‘However, in less than two years, Wike has done remarkably well for the people of Gwagwalada,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Metro

ASIS International lauds Wike’s commitment to addressing insecurity in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

The world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, has commended the commitment of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in addressing insecurity in the territory.

The Chairman of the Abuja Branch 273, Mr Edward Orim, gave the commendation during the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Orim, who was re-elected to serve for another year, said that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt the use of technology to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

He, however, added that the absence of political will was a serious challenge to deepening the use of technology to tackle insecurity across the country.

He said that Wike, on the other hand, had in the last one year demonstrated the capacity and the political will to address insecurity and make FCT a great and secured capital city for all.

He said that the minister’s support to security agencies, particularly operational vehicles fitted with latest technology equipment, was a game changer in the fight against insecurity in FCT.

“The FCT Minister is providing the needed support, including technological equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity with a view to keeping residents of FCT safe,” he said.

He added that Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, FCT Administration’s Security Services Department, was presented with a Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of his support and contributions to the growth of ASIS International in Abuja.

The chairman said that the association would be looking forward to a stronger partnership with the FCTA to improve security in the nation’s capital.

He said that the association has made significant strides in Nigeria’s security sector through impactful initiatives and strategic outreach in 2024.

“The chapter also advanced professional development through its Women in Security webinar, which strengthened engagement among security professionals.

“In line with ASIS International commitment to humanitarian efforts and gender inclusion, Women in Security provided aid to flood victims in Borno State and championed career growth for women on the International Day of the Girl Child.

“For the next one year, we will be looking forward to deepening the use of technology in addressing insecurity, through collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders,” he said.

Responding, Gwary thanked the association for the recognition, adding that the FCTA was open to more collaboration to strengthen the FCT’s security framework.

Gwari, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control Centre, noted that in a global community, security was everybody’s responsibility.

“We are happy that ASIS is contributing to addressing insecurity in the FCT.

“The FCT minister has established a robust and standard Command and Control Centre in the territory to respond effectively to security threats.

“The control system will be equipped with the latest and necessary technology to fight insecurity,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also elected was Mr Jacob Akinola as Vice Chairman, Amos Itodo as Secretary and Ms Jane Wilson as Treasurer. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Metro

Dev’t of Abuja satellite towns sacrosanct, says Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration’s efforts to develop satellite towns and rural areas of the territory is sacrosanct.

Wike gave the assurance during the inauguration of the construction of Asuquo Okon Road (Road CN8), from Obafemi Awolowo Way (Arterial Road N5), to Olusegun Obasanjo Way (Arterial Road N1), in Abuja on Thursday.

The project will also include other adjoining roads within the sector centre, Daki Biyu District.

The Collector Road CN8, the 4th in the series of road projects that were inaugurated for construction in the Abuja city centre this week, is expected to be completed in May 2025.

He said that besides the ongoing construction of roads in the six area councils, the FCTA would inaugurate the construction of four additional road projects in satellite towns beginning from Oct. 28.

According to him, the provision of road infrastructure outside the city center is a key driving the needed transformation of the rural economy.

He added that the measure demonstrates the importance President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda attaches to the development of FCT rural communities.

The Minister said that the efforts would ensure that the people who reside outside the city feel the impact of governance.

He recalled that Tinubu had directed that development of the FCT should not be concentrated only within the city where the big men live.

“Mr President insisted that development should also be taken to the rural areas where those who are considered not too wealthy reside,” he said.

“FCT Administration is committed to ensuring that development reaches all parts of Abuja,” he said.

Earlier, Me Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Asuquo Okon Way was an inter-district road connecting the Obafemi Awolowo Way in Jabi District to the Olusegun Obasanjo Way within Daki Biyu District.

Ahmad added that the project, when completed, would open up the sector centers of Jabi, Daki Biyu, Utako, and Wuye Districts and equally increase economic activities within the areas.

Also speaking, Abdurrahman Ajiya (APC-FCT), representing Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalda and Kuje Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, noted the importance of good road networks to the overall development of any city.

He commended Wike for the development strides in the nation’s capital and urged him to do more considering the huge population movement into the city. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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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