Wike issues ultimatum to contractors ahead of Tinubu’s third anniversary

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed contractors handling major infrastructure projects in the FCT to ensure strict adherence to delivery timelines as the federal government prepares for President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Wike issued the directive on Wednesday during an inspection of several ongoing projects across the capital, including the Jahi–Gwarinpa interchange, Airport Road to Kuje corridor, Kuje to Gwagwalada road, the City Gate development, and connecting roads in Wuse and the Central Area.

At the Jahi Interchange project handled by CBC Global, the minister expressed satisfaction with the level of work achieved, noting that the project was approaching completion.

“We are very hopeful that in the next two weeks we are sure that we will reach more than 95 per cent,” he said, while commending the quality of construction.

He, however, urged the contractor to ensure that remaining aspects of the project, particularly the bridge component, are completed on schedule.

At the Airport Road to Kuje Junction project being executed by Arab Contractors, Wike said he was optimistic that completion could be achieved within weeks if the current pace of work is maintained.

He also commended progress on the Kuje to Gwagwalada road project, describing it as steady and within expected implementation timelines.

The minister described the City Gate project, being handled by Julius Berger, as a major landmark development that would significantly improve the visual appeal of the capital’s entrance.

The minister stated, “This is very good, beautiful work. In the next month, anyone coming to Abuja will see a different landscape.

“If Abuja residents require the best, then we are going to provide the best.”

Wike stressed that all ongoing projects must be aligned with government timelines to ensure inauguration during the administration’s third anniversary celebrations.

“These are projects scheduled to be inaugurated on the third anniversary of this administration. I am pleading with the company to keep to the timing,” he appealed.

He also revealed that several other projects, including water treatment plants in Bwari and Ushafa, as well as road works in Katampe, Gishiri, and Gaduwa, would be commissioned during the anniversary period.

Additional projects slated for inauguration include sections of the Kuje–Gwagwalada corridor, Bazango and Kaura roads, and the relocation and redevelopment of the Apo mechanics site.

According to him, the City Gate project will also feature modern security infrastructure, including surveillance systems and artificial intelligence-based monitoring.

“We are going to provide security in that place, security cameras, AI, everything will be there,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to working closely with contractors to ensure timely completion of all projects under the ongoing Abuja transformation programme.

In recent months, the FCT has witnessed a series of road constructions, bridge works, and public facility upgrades aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving connectivity between districts, and enhancing the city’s overall aesthetics