Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has dared political aspirants eyeing seats in the upcoming Area Council elections to show tangible evidence of development, warning that only those with real achievements can win the people’s trust.
Wike issued the challenge on Tuesday while commissioning the newly completed 16-kilometre Idu-Zuba Expressway a project first awarded in 2014 but stalled for years and now delivered at a revised cost of N31 billion under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We will show roads, bus terminals, and schools. The work we’ve done is our campaign. The project is the rigging when you give the people what they want, the result is clear,” Wike declared.
The Minister said the Idu-Zuba road, once neglected, is now a key artery for industrial and economic expansion in Abuja, particularly with its direct access to the Idu Industrial Park, which he said could create over 40,000 direct jobs if fully operational.
“This is Abuja’s industrial hub. But for years, companies couldn’t move forward because they had no C-of-O. When we came in and saw the setback, we issued the certificates in two weeks. Today, activities have resumed,” he said.
Wike criticised past delays in the project’s execution, noting that with steady funding from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the road could have been completed in just one year.
“If N500 million was paid monthly from IGR, this would’ve been done in a year. But it dragged for 11 years. That’s unacceptable,” he said.
He also revealed that the contractor has offered to complete the left-hand side of the expressway if the federal government provides tax concessions a proposal already sent to the Ministry of Finance for consideration.
Wike further raised concerns about bureaucratic bottlenecks, such as the years-long delay in approving the contractor’s request to cross the railway line for project completion.
“No investor will come if basic infrastructure is lacking. It’s our duty as government to create the enabling environment,” the Minister emphasized.
He lauded President Tinubu for his commitment to infrastructure renewal, noting that within just 10 days, the President and his representatives have commissioned 10 major projects across the FCT.
“Mr. President has come five times himself and delegated the Senate President, Speaker, and Deputy Senate President on other occasions. That’s real leadership,” Wike said.
Using a local proverb, Wike attributed the success of the FCT projects to strong presidential support.
“When you see a monkey jumping from tree to tree, it’s because the trees are close. If the trees are far apart, the monkey falls. We’re achieving results because Mr. President is backing us,” he quipped.
The completion of the Idu-Zuba Expressway is expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance access to industrial areas, and boost inclusive development across Abuja and its satellite town reinforcing the Tinubu administration’s focus on infrastructure-led transformation.
