***Flag of Five-Kilometre Dual Carriageway in Kuje
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has pledged to finalize all previously abandoned projects spanning the six Area Councils of the territory.
This commitment was articulated during the inauguration of a five-kilometre dual carriageway in Kuje, Kuje Area Council, on Monday.
Wike emphasized the government’s responsibility in ensuring the continuity of projects initiated before, regardless of the administration that commenced them.
In his words, “Any project that was awarded before now, and abandoned, we have to go back to those projects because government is a continuum.”
Highlighting the significance of such initiatives, he stated, “We will continue with those projects since it will have a positive impact on the lives of our people. That is what is important to us, and we are going to do it.”
The minister clarified that the inaugurated road project was nominated by the Kuje Area Council Chairman, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, and aligned with the administration’s commitment to extending development to rural communities.
Wike affirmed, “Whether All Progressive Congress is in charge of this area council, or whether Peoples Democratic Party is in charge, or no party is in charge, we are going to touch every area council. That is the directive of President Tinubu.”
He further disclosed upcoming initiatives, stating, “In the next one or two weeks, the FCT Administration would begin a total renovation of not less than 25 schools and complete abandoned hospital projects.”
Supporting the minister’s stance, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, emphasized the importance of rural development, stating, “Improved road networks that connect rural producers to markets enhance productivity, create employment opportunities, and stimulate local economies.”
The Chairman of the council, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, praised the event as unprecedented since the return of democracy in 1999.
He highlighted the road’s dualization as a solution to perennial flood challenges and pledged the council’s continued support.
Traditional leader Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, the Gomo of Kuje, commended the minister for renewing hope and announced the conferment of a traditional title.
Oversite Director, Dr Olusegun Olusa provided details about the project, awarded to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Ltd, as a dual carriageway from Tipper Junction to LEA Secretariat, Kuje.
Meanwhile, a Developer Mr Patrick Ojo affirmed the project’s positive impact, stating, “The project, when completed, will decongest this road and will, by effect, also allow free flow of traffic.”
Ojo said that the journey from Kuje to Gwagwalada, through the road should be less than seven minutes’ drive but taking longer due to traffic congestion on the road.
“So, the project, when completed, will decongest this road and will by effect, also allow free flow of traffic,” he said.
This development follows Minister Wike’s recent inaugurations, underscoring the administration’s commitment to rural development and infrastructure improvement across the Federal Capital Territory.