The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Friday commissioned newly completed roads in Abuja, emphasising the administration’s commitment to finishing abandoned projects regardless of when they were initially awarded.
Wike provided details on the history of the roads and praised the dedication to seeing them through to completion.
Speaking at the commissioning event, Minister Wike revealed that the roads, initially awarded in 2017 for N6 billion, saw their budget escalate to N21 billion by 2021. Despite the increased allocation, contractors had abandoned the site due to non-payment.
Wike stressed that it is a key policy of the current administration to ensure all abandoned or unattended projects are completed.
“It is important to give this clarification for people to know that part of their policy is not for you just to award contracts; for you to say that, you are the one who awarded contracts,” he stated.
He reiterated that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to completing “every project, whether awarded in your tenure or during your predecessors’.”
Wike noted that upon his assumption of office in August 2023, the same company that undertook the Karshi road project was responsible for the newly commissioned roads.
He acknowledged the significant challenges faced, including the presence of a mechanics’ area. The minister highlighted the deplorable state of the old road, which those familiar with the area, particularly commuters to Apo, would attest to as “horrible.”
He described how its condition had severely slowed down economic activities in the area.
To address the congestion and open up the area, Wike challenged the contractor to complete the road within a strict timeframe, assuring them that funds would be made available as per policy.
“As a policy, that money will be made available.” And to the glory of God, money was made available,” he affirmed.
The timely completion of the roads, he concluded, is a testament to this commitment, bringing relief and improved economic flow to residents.
