"No More Extensions": Wike Cracks Down On Abuja Contractors Ahead Of Tinubu’s 3rd Anniversary

(Nyesom Wike. Photo by Businessday NG)

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has sent a clear message to Abuja contractors: finish on time or face the consequences.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has warned contractors handling major infrastructure projects in Abuja that deadlines, particularly those tied to projects scheduled for inauguration during President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary, will not be extended.

Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing works across the capital on Wednesday, Wike expressed displeasure over delays on some projects, especially a road construction site in Wuse, while acknowledging the quality of work delivered so far.

“We agreed that by the end of May or June, the job would be delivered, but what we heard today is different. I’m not going to accept that.
"I have mandated that the project be turned over by the second week of June," the minister declared.  He explained that the inspection was part of routine monitoring aimed at ensuring accountability and quality assurance in project delivery across the territory.

He said, “We do not just sit in our offices. We go out to verify the quality of jobs and ensure contractors meet timelines.”

The minister praised contractors managing other important projects, such as the N16 interchange, while voicing displeasure about delays in certain locations. "The caliber of construction at the N16 interchange speaks for itself. Wike stated, "The contractor has guaranteed that it would be prepared for the inauguration.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work completed at Tunga Madaki, where a road and bridge project connecting Bill Clinton Drive along the Airport Road corridor to neighboring settlements is almost finished. 

The minister added, “This road became necessary following the construction of the second runway by the Ministry of Aviation. The community demanded access, and we delivered.

“You can see they are putting finishing touches to the bridge,” he said. He further disclosed plans to extend the road network from the bridge axis to Zuba, noting that preparatory processes, including procurement and compensation for affected communities, were ongoing.
"Zuba will be accessible from Bill Clinton Drive." This is a part of our larger commitment to make sure that this administration's development benefits satellite towns," he stated.

Wike stated that in addition to road development, the FCT Administration was making investments in water supply, healthcare, and education. The satellite water projects at Bwari, Karu, and Orozo will be inaugurated.

He continued,  In the field of education, we have furnished and restored a number of schools, particularly those in satellite towns. Additionally, we have given contracts for health facility rehabilitation. Thus, it goes beyond roads."
The minister blamed damage to a significant pipeline by a private developer for the current water shortage in several areas of the Abuja Municipal Area Council. "During a private development, a significant pipe was destroyed. The Water Board is putting a lot of effort into fixing it.

He promised, "We'll look into it and take appropriate action. No one should cause the public discomfort for their own benefit, so if it becomes necessary, we will halt that initiative." He asked people to be patient and reassured locals that work was being done to restore the water supply.

In keeping with the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope strategy, Wike reiterated that the FCT Administration is still dedicated to completing infrastructure projects throughout Abuja's city center and satellite towns.

FCT infrastructure development has been a central focus of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, particularly under the “Renewed Hope” governance agenda aimed at accelerating urban renewal and improving service delivery across Nigeria’s capital.

The proposed city of Abuja, has in recent years faced mounting pressure from rapid population growth, expansion into satellite towns, and ageing or insufficient infrastructure, leading to recurring challenges in roads, water supply, and public utilities.
Under Wike's leadership, the FCT Administration, embarked on an ambitious programme of road construction, rehabilitation of public facilities, and expansion of basic services into outlying districts such as the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Bwari, Karu, Orozo, and Zuba.