ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Thursday assured residents that ongoing road projects linking key satellite towns in the territory would be completed before the end of May, declaring that the administration would not slow down development despite looming political activities.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the Airport–Kuje and Kuje–Gwagwalada road projects, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work by contractors, noting that critical sections of the infrastructure would soon be ready for use.
“From Airport Junction to Kuje, one part of the bridge is almost completed and by Friday next week, we will be able to ride on it. Before the end of May, the entire job will be handed over,” the minister said.
He further disclosed that the first phase of the Kuje–Gwagwalada road, covering about seven kilometres and currently being dualised, would also be completed within the same timeline.
“I am happy that the contractor has promised completion before the end of May. By and large, we are very satisfied with the quality of jobs being delivered,” he added.
Wike commended the contractors for adhering to timelines and maintaining high construction standards, describing them as reputable firms with proven track records.
He noted that the completion of the road projects would significantly transform Kuje and surrounding communities, easing congestion in the city centre.
“By the time these roads are completed, Kuje will no longer be what you call a satellite town. It will begin to compete, and people will move here to build houses, helping to decongest the city,” he said.
On budget implementation, the minister clarified that the FCT Administration was currently executing the 2025 budget, which would run until the end of June, while awaiting approval of the 2026 budget by the National Assembly.
According to him, ongoing projects would not be disrupted by the political calendar, including the forthcoming elections.
“The election will come, but people must work. Contractors are not part of the election. Before January, we would have achieved over 80 per cent of what we intend to do,” Wike stated.
The minister also used the occasion to respond to criticisms from opposition figures, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dismissing claims that the current administration had underperformed.
He described such assertions as baseless, insisting that visible developments in the FCT and across the country were clear indicators of progress.
Wike further denied allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the FCT Administration attempted to frustrate its recent convention by targeting the venue, the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja.
“I don’t even know where that place is. There was no interference from anybody. People should stop making baseless claims to gain public sympathy,” he said.
The minister challenged the party to provide evidence of any communication with his office regarding the use of the facility, maintaining that due process was not followed.
He emphasised that the FCT Administration remains focused on delivering infrastructure and improving the living conditions of residents, rather than engaging in political distractions.
“Our business is to provide what Nigerians need. Nigerians are happy with what we are doing,” Wike said.
The inspection tour is part of ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration to monitor and ensure timely delivery of critical infrastructure projects across the territory.
