In a stern display of accountability, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has issued a sharp rebuke to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), the contractor responsible for the construction of the left-hand service carriageway of OSEX from Ring Road 1 (RRI) to Wasa Junction. Wike, during a site inspection in Abuja, expressed deep dissatisfaction over the sluggish pace of work on the critical 15km stretch, despite the contractor receiving over 80% of the contract payment.
“Very bad, I am not encouraged,” Wike stated, his frustration palpable. “Yesterday, my attention was drawn when I went to inspect the Apo-Karshi road, which took us through Wassa. I passed through this area and tried to find out where CGC is working—one of the respected companies as far as I’m concerned. But regarding this road, I am not happy.”
Wike revealed that despite the significant payment made to the contractor, progress on the project had barely reached 50%, far below expectations. He wasted no time in demanding accountability, summoning both the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and CGC to an emergency meeting. His directive was clear: the project must be completed by May 2025, with no further delays tolerated.
“Let them go and commit themselves and tell us by May they are going to finish this project. That’s the only way I am going to accept it,” the minister declared firmly.
The Apo-Karshi road project, which is intended to ease traffic congestion and boost economic activities in the surrounding areas, has been plagued by delays, frustrating commuters and residents alike. Wike highlighted the importance of the project, noting that its timely completion would have a transformative impact on traffic flow and business operations in the capital city.
Wike further emphasized that his administration would no longer tolerate underperforming contractors, sending a direct warning to those who failed to deliver on their commitments. “We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. If you don’t perform, we kick you out. There is no sentiment about whether you are an indigenous contractor or foreign contractor—we don’t care.”
The minister made it clear that contractors who fail to meet their obligations will face not only termination but also financial repercussions. “You can’t just collect our money and think we will let you go. No. When we kick you out, we make you pay for it.”
As the FCT Minister continues to push for greater transparency and accountability in project management, Abuja residents are hopeful that his no-nonsense approach will result in the timely delivery of critical infrastructure, beginning with the long-awaited completion of the Apo-Karshi road.
