By Hudu Yakubu, Abuja
The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has commended residents of the territory for their patience, following the inconveniences the ongoing projects across the FCT have caused.
Wike gave the commendation in Abuja on Wednesday, after he inspected some ongoing projects in the territory.
“I commend all of you for your support and the residents of Abuja, who have been making some sacrifices.
“Some roads have been diverted while some areas are experiencing huge traffic due to the ongoing road projects across the city,” he said.
He promised that some of the projects would be delivered in May, to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.
“Where we are now is Goodluck Jonathan Highway, which is being completed and going to be part of the roads that we believed, will be commissioned in May.
“We have spotted some areas where we think the contractor, Salini, should make some adjustments. Overall, it will be completed and in one or two weeks the streetlights will be on.
“We also went to Guzape Lot II, where the road infrastructure being provided will also be completed and before May ends, the project will be handed over to us by Gilmor,” he said.
The minister also inspected road projects in Diplomatic Zone, Guzape, though not part of the project for inauguration in May, according to the minister, but would be completed in the next one and half years, if funds were released.
He assured that the FCT Administration would make the funds available to ensure its completion.
“Generally, I think we are doing well,” the minister added.
At the road resurfacing projects in Asokoro, being handled by Julius Berger, the minister assured residents that all road resurfacing projects would be completed before May.
He said, “Even though we are not inviting Mr President to commission them, but let the world know that Abuja is wearing a new look.”
The minister also thanked Tinubu for signing the N1.28 trillion FCT 2024 appropriation into law, adding that the development would enable the FCT Administration to begin procurement processes.
“What you will see will be a revolution in terms of infrastructure. With this budget, a lot of things will be done, not just on roads, but also in health and education sectors,” he said.
Wike urged residents to commend the government when it made improvements rather than condemnation all the time.
“We are trying to make some repairs of those that have been vandalised which is not easy. Also, those saying there are criminals all over the city were part of the criminals. Don’t bother about sadists, there is nothing we can do about them,” the minister said.
Dominica Nwabufo
