Wike Reveals Part Of His Headache As FCT Minister

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has regretted that the existing procurement law was hindering the timely execution of projects.

Wike stated this on Friday, at the flagged-off to commence the full-scope development of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) from the Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in Abuja.

He said the amendment of the procurement law would help to remove the bureaucratic bottlenecks that were slowing down the execution of projects in the nation’s capital.

The FCT Minister said: “Part of our predicament, part of our major headache, is the procurement law. the procurement law, yes, it’s to protect and make sure our money is safe. But then, if you look at the overall situation, it drags us backwards.”

Wike said in some cases, some procurements would take almost four months before they’re approved.

Speaking further, Wike said he had to amend such laws as governor, adding: “We amended the law to say that in every job we have done with Julius Berger then, we will pay 70 per cent. That’s how we were able to do 12 flyovers in four years.”

Wike thanked Tinubu, saying the president has been supportive of him as the FCT Minister in the execution of capital projects.