…Assures Completion Within Schedule, Says Fire Service Building Underway
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has assured the Body of Benchers and neighbouring institutions that the new access road linking the Nigerian Law School, Baze University, and Nile University will be completed within schedule, describing it as one of the fastest projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, Wike disclosed that the project received the President’s approval under emergency procurement following a request made during the last Call to Bar ceremony. He said the President immediately directed that work should begin to ease access to the area and support institutions contributing to national development.
“Let me assure you that if there is one project that will be completed within the time schedule, it is this particular road,” Wike said. “Mr. President approved it even though it was not in the budget, because he believes in supporting education and the legal profession as part of his Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Minister also revealed that the FCT Fire Service headquarters project is in progress, noting that communication on its implementation will be concluded before the end of the month. “You can sleep with your two eyes closed; that project is already in the process,” he told the gathering.
Wike commended the Body of Benchers for their civility and constructive engagement with government, saying their approach exemplifies responsible citizenship. He contrasted their conduct with the growing trend of citizens resorting to social media criticism instead of communicating directly with authorities.
“Good citizens should call the attention of government to challenges rather than go on social media to play politics. What the Body of Benchers did was responsible and respectful — and look at where we are today,” he said.
The Minister recalled that the request for the road project was made impromptu during the Call to Bar event. “I was ambushed,” he joked. “But when I heard the request and saw its importance, I knew it was something we must do — not just for the Body of Benchers, but also for private institutions like Baze and Nile Universities that use this corridor daily.”
Wike further announced that the FCT Administration will, on Monday, flag off the construction of two new 300-bed hostels — one for male and one for female students — at the Nigerian Law School, describing it as a historic first. He added that the 10 new bungalows under construction at the Law School are nearly completed, all in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to upgrading key national institutions.
The Minister lauded the collaborative spirit between the Body of Benchers and government, recalling how their earlier request for an annex building led to a presidential supplementary budget approved by the National Assembly. “That’s how government and citizens should work together — through dialogue and understanding, not confrontation,” he said.
Wike emphasized that governance is a continuous process, noting that no administration can solve all national problems at once. “Even if I stay 500 years as Minister, there will still be challenges. What matters is that within our time and resources, we must make a meaningful impact,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to support government efforts and promote constructive criticism. “If you like, go 50 million times to social media — what you didn’t get through the door, you won’t get through the window,” he quipped. “President Tinubu never promised to solve all Nigeria’s problems, but to place the country on a path of positive development.”
Wike, who is a Life Bencher, reiterated his commitment to supporting the legal profession and public institutions in the FCT. “What is worth doing is worth doing well. This road will not only serve the Body of Benchers but also thousands of students and citizens who use this corridor daily,” he stated.
