…Minister lists completed projects across six FCT area councils, calls for real farmers to boost food security
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a true champion of rural development, revealing that over 150 kilometers of roads have been constructed and commissioned in the FCT’s satellite towns since May 2023.
Wike made the remarks on Saturday during the commissioning of the newly completed A2 Junction–Pai Town Road, a project he described as one of the most significant among several infrastructure interventions carried out under Tinubu’s administration.
“Today, of all the commissions, this one, for me, I consider very, very important,” Wike said.
“I recall telling Mr. President it would be great if he could visit just one of the rural roads and see how joyous the people would be. If you look opposite you today, you will see that the people are very, very, very happy.”
The Minister explained that the construction of the Pai-Gomani axis became critical when the road beyond Pai was already under construction. He thanked the contractor for completing the stretch in time to mark the President’s second year in office, and announced that the next phase from Gomani to Yangoji (13 km) is set to begin.
Wike, who gave a detailed breakdown of completed rural road projects under President Tinubu’s watch, said:
“When we were appointed in August 2023, in your supplementary budget, you approved our request for emergency roads. You provided funds, and today I want to inform you that all six emergency roads across the six area councils have been commissioned.”
The six completed roads include: Paikon Kore–Ibwa Road (9 km) in Gwagwalada; Gaba–Tokulo Road with bridge in Bwari Area Council; Garage Junction–U.S. Secretariat Road (5 km) in Kuje; Yangoji–Sukuku–Ebo Road (11 km) in Kwali; Saburi 1 & 2 Access Road (5 km) in AMAC; and A2 Junction–Pai Town Road in Kwali Area Council
He further announced upcoming projects for this year’s commissioning, including: 10 km Aguma Palace–Radio–New Market Road in Gwagwalada; 18 km Nyanya–Karshi Dual Carriageway; 7.4 km Old Ushafa Road and rehabilitation of Lower Usuma Dam; and 16.4 km Dualisation from Ushafa War College to Kaduna Checkpoint
“When you calculate all the completed and ongoing roads in the satellite towns, you have done not less than 150 kilometers. People should not think everything happens only in the city,” Wike emphasized.
He linked the rural road network to security and food security, stating that inaccessible rural areas are no longer vulnerable due to improved infrastructure.
“Assuming there is a crime, how would the police enter here before? It was not possible. But with these roads, we are opening up rural communities for prosperity and peace,” he said.
On agriculture, the Minister urged genuine farmers to take advantage of available farmlands, promising government compensation and support.
“We are willing to pay compensation to communities and give land to real farmers not political farmers who will sit on land and speculate. We want to solve food problems, and your support has given us the ability to act.”
Wike expressed deep gratitude to President Tinubu for trusting him with the responsibility and backing him with resources and political will to execute.
“You can give someone an appointment, but if you don’t give him support, he can’t succeed. You have given us both appointment and support, and we are grateful,” he said.
“When the people are happy, you will be happy. And I’m sure as you leave here today, you will be very, very happy even when you get to the Villa.”
The event, which drew applause from community leaders and residents, is part of a series of project inaugurations marking President Tinubu’s second year in office.
