By Prevail Inegbenose
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on three major road projects in Abuja, assuring residents that the projects would be delivered as promised.
Wike made this known on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II through Mbora District, the Tungan Madaki-Zuba Road and the Kagini Road off Old Keffi Road.
The Minister commended the commitment of the contractors handling the projects and expressed optimism that improved weather conditions would allow for faster earthworks at the various sites.
“I am very impressed with the jobs we have seen so far, and I am most impressed with the commitment of the contractors,” Wike said.
He reiterated the FCT Administration’s promise to deliver the roads as Christmas gifts to residents, saying the completed projects would improve connectivity, stimulate local commerce and enhance the quality of life in communities across the territory.
“We have promised the residents that this will be their Christmas gift by Mr. President… so that they will go back home and enjoy their Christmas period,” he said.
Wike also responded to concerns raised by the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, over alleged borrowing and debt accumulation by the administration.
He dismissed the allegation, stating that any loan obtained by the government would require statutory approval from the National Assembly and would be captured in the relevant budget.
“There is no way we can be granted a loan without the approval of the National Assembly. If you want to take a loan, you will include it in the budget,” the Minister said.
On the relationship between project inspections and political campaigns, Wike maintained that the infrastructure being delivered across the FCT provided residents with evidence of government activities.
At the Kagini project site, where he was accompanied by former Senator Philip Aduda, Wike urged residents to support leaders who, in his view, could deliver infrastructure and other benefits of governance.
The inspection formed part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing monitoring of major infrastructure projects across the capital territory.
