Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that the long-awaited Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa roads will be completed and opened by December this year.
Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across satellite towns in the FCT.
He recalled that the Apo-Karshi road contract was originally awarded in 2010 but stalled under the previous administration, prompting the current administration to revoke and re-award it.
‘I am so happy that we have been able to conquer the Apo-Karshi road. You know the importance of that road. That road was awarded in 2010. To the glory of God, today we were there and we can see that by November they would have handed over that very important road,’ he said.
The Minister, who was also in Bwari, where excited residents turned out in large numbers, said the contractor handling the Bwari-Kubwa road, SCC, has promised to hand over the project by the end of the year, despite delays caused by heavy rainfall.
He commended the Federal Government for expanding development beyond the city centre to satellite towns, noting that more than 10 projects would be commissioned in the FCT before the next elections.
‘Just like I said yesterday, the Tinubu administration has redefined infrastructure delivery as far as FCT is concerned, not just within the city but also within the satellite towns,’ Wike said.
Responding to questions on the political outlook for the FCT ahead of the 2027 general elections, Wike expressed confidence in the ruling party’s prospects, citing the administration’s infrastructure record as evidence of good governance.
‘If good governance is a barometer to measure whether a government has succeeded or not, then we have nothing to fear. We want a government that listens to us, cares for us, and solves our problems. Now the Tinubu administration has come; it is not only listening to you, but it is also not only caring for you; it is solving your problems.
‘So why will the people who said this is what they want now change their mind to try people we do not know what will happen? Nobody does that.
‘I can beat my chest, close my eyes and sleep with my two eyes closed that Bola Ahmed Tinubu will emerge and other candidates such as Philip Aduda and John Gabaya will win this election. I have no fear at all,’ he said.
Asked about criticism from the incumbent FCT senator, who said she will not be intimidated, Wike said his comments were not intimidation but a call for accountability.
‘How many times has she gone to satellite towns to discuss with them, even traditional rulers? How many times has she spoken on the floor of the Senate to say these are the problems the FCT is facing? How many times has she come up with bills to tell her colleagues to support her so that certain problems facing Abuja will be taken care of?
‘It is not about intimidation. Nobody is intimidating her, rather she has intimidated herself by not performing. It is the non-performance that is causing her intimidation,’ he said.
On the recent demolition exercise in parts of Abuja, the minister said affected occupants were illegal occupants and had been given more than six months’ notice.
He said government could not continue to delay enforcement after repeated notice periods.