The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to completing all inherited and abandoned projects in the nation’s capital, irrespective of when or by whom they were awarded.
Wike made this declaration on Friday while commissioning a major road project in Abuja. The road in question, awarded in 2017 at an initial cost of $6 billion, suffered delays and financial setbacks over the years. By 2021, its price had ballooned to $21 billion, yet work stalled due to a lack of funding. Explaining the background, Wike said:
“This road was awarded in 2017 at a cost of $6 billion, but in 2021, there was a variation that got to $21 billion. However, contractors were on site. Why? Money was not being paid to the company”.
Wike emphasised that under the current administration’s policy, the era of abandoning critical infrastructure midstream is over. According to him, the focus is now on ensuring that every project—whether awarded by the present government or its predecessors—is completed and put to use.
“As part of our policy to make sure that every project that was abandoned or left unattended must be completed, it is crucial to give this clarification for people to know that part of our policy is not for you just to award contracts for the sake of saying you are the one who awarded them.
“We have said it time and time again — every project, whether awarded in your tenure or during your predecessor’s, must be completed. And today is one of those projects that has been completed.” He said.

The FCT Minister recalled that when his team resumed office in August 2023, they discovered the project in a deplorable state, especially around the adjoining roads, which for years had made commuting to Apo a dreadful experience for residents and commuters.
Determined to decongest traffic and boost economic activities in the area, Wike said they challenged the contractor to fast-track the completion of the road. He explained that the contractor assured them their readiness to deliver, provided funds were available.
The commissioning of the completed project continues the FCT Administration’s drive to rehabilitate critical infrastructure, tackle traffic bottlenecks, and improve the overall quality of life for Abuja residents.