Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged contractors handling major infrastructure projects in Abuja to adhere strictly to delivery timelines as the administration intensifies preparations for project commissioning to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
Wike issued the charge on Wednesday during an inspection tour of several ongoing projects, including the Jahi–Gwarimpa Interchange, Airport Road to Kuje corridor, Kuje to Gwagwalada road, the City Gate project, and the Wuse/Central Area link roads.
At the Jahi Interchange, being handled by CBC Global, the minister commended the quality of work and expressed optimism that the project was nearing completion.
“We are very hopeful… in the next two weeks we are sure that we will reach over 95 per cent,” Wike said. “The quality of the job is very, very good, and I believe we are going to meet up with the timing.”
However, he noted concerns about whether all components, particularly the bridge section, would be fully completed on schedule.
“No doubt about the quality of job, but I’m still doubtful about the completion on time. They have given us their promise. I hope they will keep it up,” he added.
On the Airport Road to Kuje Junction project executed by Arab Contractors, Wike expressed confidence that the job could be concluded within weeks.
“Very good quality job… we are hopeful that by the end of this month, we may be wrapping up with that job,” he said.
He also commended progress on the Kuje to Gwagwalada road, describing the pace of work as satisfactory and encouraging.
“The work is going quite well. We also believe they will be on time,” he stated.
Wike was particularly impressed with the City Gate project being handled by Julius Berger, describing it as a landmark development that would transform the visual identity of Abuja.
“Very good, beautiful work. In the next one month, anyone coming to Abuja will see a different landscape,” he said. “If Abuja residents require the best, then we are going to provide the best.”
He, however, cautioned that all contractors must ensure strict compliance with agreed timelines ahead of the planned commissioning programme for the administration’s third anniversary celebrations.
“These are projects scheduled to be inaugurated in the third anniversary of this administration. I’m pleading with the company to keep to timing,” he warned.
On the Wuse/Central Area link roads, the minister acknowledged the quality of work but again expressed concern about speed of execution.
“I’ve seen the work going on. Quality is not in doubt, but I’m still doubtful about completion on time,” he said.
Wike disclosed that several key projects would be ready for inauguration during the anniversary period, including water treatment plants in Bwari and Ushafa, roads in Katampe, Gishiri and Gaduwa, the CLC project, parts of the Kuje–Gwagwalada corridor, Bazango and Kaura roads, as well as the relocation and development of the Apo mechanics site.
He also revealed that the redesigned City Gate would feature modern security infrastructure, including 24-hour surveillance and AI-enabled monitoring systems.
“We are going to provide security in that place… security cameras, AI, everything will be there,” he said.
Wike assured that the FCT Administration would continue collaborating with contractors to ensure timely delivery, stressing that the Abuja transformation agenda must be fully achieved through discipline and adherence to schedules.
“So by and by, we are very happy with the level of commitment by various companies. We will also do our part to fulfill our obligation,” he added.