Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday told contractors handling key infrastructure projects across Abuja, to meet agreed deadlines as the administration prepares for a commissioning programme to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
Wike spoke during an inspection tour of ongoing projects, including the Jahi–Gwarimpa Interchange, Airport Road to Kuje corridor, Kuje to Gwagwalada road, the City Gate project, and the Wuse/Central Area link roads.
At the Jahi Interchange handled by CBC Global, the minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and optimism about near completion.
Wike said: “We are very hopeful… in the next two weeks we are sure that we will reach over 95 per cent.
“The quality of the job is very, very good, and I believe we are going to meet up with the timing.”
However, he cautioned that while quality was not in doubt, timely delivery of some components, especially the bridge section, remained a concern.
“No doubt about the quality of job, but I’m still doubtful about the completion on time. They have given us their promise. I hope they will keep it up,” he added.
On the Airport Road to Kuje Junction project being executed by Arab Contractors, Wike expressed confidence that it could be completed within weeks.
“Very good quality job… we are hopeful that by the end of this month, we may be wrapping up with that job,” he said.
He also commended the progress on the Kuje to Gwagwalada road, noting that work was moving steadily and within expected timelines.
“The work is going quite well. We also believe they will be on time,” the minister stated.
Wike was particularly upbeat about the City Gate project being handled by Julius Berger, describing it as a landmark development that would redefine Abuja’s entry point.
“Very good, beautiful work. In the next one month, anyone coming to Abuja will see a different landscape. If Abuja residents require the best, then we are going to provide the best,” he said.
The minister, however, stressed that all contractors must align with government timelines for project inauguration ahead of the third anniversary celebrations.
“These are projects scheduled to be inaugurated in the third anniversary of this administration. I’m pleading with the company to keep to timing,” Wike warned.
On the Wuse/Central Area link roads, Wike said the quality of work remained commendable but reiterated concerns over speed of delivery.
“I’ve seen the work going on. Quality is not in doubt, but I’m still doubtful about completion on time,” he said.
Wike disclosed that several major projects would be commissioned within the anniversary period, including water treatment plants in Bwari and Ushafa, roads in Katampe, Gishiri and Gaduwa, the CLC project, sections of the Kuje–Gwagwalada corridor, Bazango and Kaura roads, as well as the relocation and development of the Apo mechanics site.
Wike also revealed that the City Gate project would include permanent security installations, 24-hour surveillance and AI-enabled monitoring systems.
“We are going to provide security in that place -security cameras, AI, everything will be there,” he said.
The minister assured that the FCT Administration would continue to work with contractors to ensure timely delivery of all projects, noting that Abuja’s transformation agenda must be fully realised through strict adherence to schedules.
“So by and large, we are very happy with the level of commitment by various companies. We will also do our part to fulfill our obligation,” he added.