The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that major infrastructure projects across Abuja will be completed and inaugurated by the end of May, declaring that political activities, including the forthcoming area council elections, will not slow down development.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing projects, Wike described the pace and quality of work as “very encouraging,” stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is being translated into tangible results on the ground.
“We are happy with what we have seen. By the end of May, this project will be handed over, and it is one of the projects lined up for inauguration during Mr President’s third year in office,” the minister said.
Wike first inspected the Institutional Research Road, a strategic link road connecting Nile University, the Body of Benchers and other institutions, which serves as an alternative route to the old EFCC road. He noted that the road, when completed, would significantly ease traffic flow in the area.
According to him, the contractor has committed to completing and handing over the project by the end of May.
From there, the minister moved to the Body of Benchers extension building, where he disclosed that construction work is almost 80 per cent completed.
“The work is well done. What is left now is basically landscaping,” Wike said.
The inspection also covered major road projects stretching from Euclid Road through Bright Road down to Tungan Madaki, covering not less than seven kilometres. Wike highlighted key infrastructure along the corridor, including a large conference hall and a major bridge with four spans, describing the development as a major breakthrough for communities that had long suffered neglect.
“You can imagine what these communities have gone through. It is unimaginable. But we thank God that we now have the opportunity to open up these areas,” he said.
Wike explained that the project also addressed long-standing demands by local villagers for compensation and inclusion, after initial plans focused only on a second carriageway.
“They demanded that if compensation was to be paid for crops, they should also be linked to the city. And that is what we are doing today — a promise made, a promise fulfilled,” he stated.
He added that contractors have given assurances that the major road projects would be completed between the end of May and early June.
Reacting to concerns that political activities could disrupt project execution, Wike dismissed such fears, insisting that governance must remain people-focused.
“Politics is different. You have to serve the people. Politics has its own time, and the work will continue. Politics will not affect what we are doing,” he said.
He emphasized that constant supervision and field inspections by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) leadership were key to sustaining progress.
“The only way people will be happy and believe that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real is by delivering these projects. That is exactly what we are doing,” Wike added.
