The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said major ongoing road projects across the territory will be completed and commissioned by December 2026 as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Christmas gifts to FCT residents.
Wike disclosed this on Tuesday during an inspection of critical infrastructure projects across the territory, including the Arterial Road N1 linking Wuye with Ring Road 2 (RR2), Tunga Madaki-Zuba Road, and the 5.6-kilometre Zaudna-Kabba-Kagini rural road network near Dei Dei.
The Zaudna-Kabba-Kagini project also includes the installation of solar-powered street lights, with the minister stressing that the road would improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities in the affected communities.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, attributing some delays to the heavy rains and expressing confidence that the contractors would meet the December completion deadline as the rainy season subsides.
“I am very impressed with the progress we have seen so far and with the commitment of the contractors. But for the heavy rains, they would have gone much further,” he said.
The minister said construction activities, particularly earthworks, would intensify from October, adding that the contractors had previously worked with the administration and possessed the capacity to deliver the projects within schedule.
He described the expansion of infrastructure to underserved rural communities as an important component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
According to him, opening up rural communities through modern roads would transform local economies and improve the living conditions of residents.
Wike also dismissed allegations by the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, that the FCT Administration had obtained loans without the required approval of the National Assembly.
He said all financing arrangements undertaken by the administration were captured in approved budgets and complied with legislative requirements.
“There is no way we can go and take loans without the approval of the National Assembly,” Wike said, adding that any proposed borrowing would have to be reflected in the budget and receive the necessary legislative approval.
The minister also responded to questions on his involvement in political activities ahead of the forthcoming elections, saying the administration’s infrastructure projects constituted evidence of its performance.
He urged residents of Kabba and Kagini communities to support President Tinubu and Senator Philip Aduda in the forthcoming elections, while arguing that the administration’s development projects should speak for themselves.
Wike maintained that the ongoing projects across the FCT were intended to improve connectivity and extend infrastructure development beyond the city centre to rural communities.