Key Road Projects to Be Inaugurated During President Tinubu’s Second Anniversary
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the submission of the FCT Administration’s (FCTA) 2025 budget to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for onward transmission to the National Assembly. He also raised concerns about potential funding challenges but reassured residents that critical infrastructure projects would not be derailed.
Wike made this known on Thursday during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in Abuja, highlighting the administration’s commitment to infrastructure expansion and sustainability.
“As of yesterday, I sent our 2025 budget, and by today or tomorrow, Mr. President will have transmitted it to the National Assembly. The 2024 budget will expire in June, and for now, we are still utilizing the funds allocated for this year’s projects,” he stated.
Despite financial uncertainties, Wike expressed confidence in the FCTA’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
“We anticipate funding challenges, but we are prepared to navigate them. I have never been disappointed in my life, and I do not see failure. Challenges exist, but we are here to tackle and overcome them. For now, we don’t foresee any obstacles that will hinder these projects,” he declared.
Maintaining Public Infrastructure for Long-Term Gains
Beyond funding concerns, the minister emphasized the urgent need to instill a strong maintenance culture in public infrastructure management, citing previous neglect as a major drawback.
“One major problem we face as a country is a lack of maintenance culture, and we must change that. Take the International Conference Center, for example—when completed, we will have a maintenance contract with Julius Berger, ensuring that a portion of the revenue generated is reinvested into its upkeep,” he explained.
He criticized past instances of mismanagement, where critical government assets were handed over to individuals for personal gain at the expense of public interest.
“You know what happened last time—it was given to one senator who was making money off it while allowing the structure to deteriorate. That will no longer be business as usual. We will ensure that public facilities remain in top shape,” Wike stressed.
Highlighting the economic benefits of completed infrastructure, he noted that a properly managed International Conference Center would attract global events, positioning Abuja as a key destination for international summits and conferences.
“Nigeria needs a world-class International Conference Center, comparable to any other in the world. When it was built, it was a major hub for global summits. While we have plans for a second one, we must first maintain what we have before expanding further,” he added.
Key Road Projects Set for Inauguration in 2025
Wike also announced that major road projects across Abuja would be commissioned to mark the second anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
“We shall also inaugurate those projects during the second year of our service as President. Now again, we are here at this interchange—Gishiri. Behind us leads to Maitama, and you can see that the communities are cooperating. Companies in Gishiri have also complied with necessary demolitions, allowing Gilmore to continue its work. Other connecting roads leading to George’s Quarters are also progressing well,” Wike stated.
The minister disclosed that CGC, the construction firm handling multiple projects, had assured timely completion ahead of the scheduled inauguration.
“These are not the only projects we will commission. We also have major road projects in satellite towns like Tupai, Aguma, and Oshafa, all of which are advancing smoothly. Tomorrow, we will visit Oslox for further inspection of the road projects being handled by CGC and FADEDEM,” he added.
With the submission of the 2025 budget and renewed efforts to ensure sustainability in infrastructure development, the FCT Administration remains committed to enhancing Abuja’s urban and economic landscape.
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