By Philip Yatai
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the pace of critical roads delivery in Abuja, and expressed the confidence that 10 completed projects will be inaugurated before year-end.
Wike stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, after inspecting the ongoing construction of Tungan Madaki to Zuba Road and the dual carriageway from Nile University to Ring Road III.
The minister was particularly elated by the pace of the road from Nile University to Ring Road III to serve FCT’s Institutions and Research District.
He described the road corridor as a “vital thoroughfare” expected to open up the institutional and research district, alleviating chronic traffic bottlenecks in the area.
“The completion of the Nile University to Ring Road III will mark a major turning point for the territory, transforming the socio-economic landscape and giving a massive boost to the research and academic ecosystem,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to delivering high-impact road networks and bridge connections designed to boost urban mobility and drive economic expansion.
He explained that the inspection tour forms part of the administration’s routine monitoring exercise aimed at evaluating the progress of ongoing projects to ensure contractors maintain strict adherence to delivery timelines.
Wike expressed optimism that the contractors would meet their promised deadlines, ensuring the infrastructures are fully operational and ready for inauguration well ahead of the upcoming general elections.
At the Tungan Madaki to Zuba Road, the minister inspected ongoing drainage and bridge constructions, noting significant structural progress designed to prevent seasonal flooding and improve inter-district movement.
Highlighting the work completed along the route, Wike commended the construction firm for its rapid progress, noting that out of the six major culverts scheduled for construction, five have already been fully executed.
He specifically lauded the primary contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), for demonstrating extraordinary commitment and dedication to the execution of high-capital expenditure projects despite financial constraints.
He pointed out that although the FCT Administration has not yet mobilised the construction firm beyond 30 per cent of the total project value, the company has continued to push forward using its own resources and technical capacity.
He called on other corporate entities and government contractors to emulate CCECC’s civic responsibility, urging private developers to actively support the growth, development, and infrastructural renewal of the FCT.
Addressing the government’s obligation, Wike assured that the FCT Administration would not take the contractor’s goodwill for granted, promising that funds would be released promptly to offset outstanding balances and sustain momentum.
“We’ll not take it for granted that they’re committed to the realisation of the project. We’ll do our own part to pay them their money. We’ll do that,” he said.
Expressing unreserved confidence in CCECC’s technical expertise, Wike noted that the company’s vast array of modern heavy machinery and proven track record in Nigeria leave no doubt about their ability to deliver world-class infrastructure.
The minister revealed that the inspection tour would continue with visits to additional project sites in the coming days, targeting a minimum of 10 completed projects lined up for official inauguration before the end of the year. (NAN)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi