Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday in Abuja warned that officials of the Satellite Towns Development Department could face punishment after he discovered irregular changes made on the stalled 15-kilometre Pai–Gomani road project in Kwali Area Council. He said the changes were done without proper approval and were far above what he is allowed to authorise.
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Wike made the remarks after touring ongoing projects in the city and the area councils. During the inspection, he explained that the administration is moving forward with reforms, including a plan to run the FCT bus terminals through a public–private partnership. Under the plan, government and private operators will supply buses and taxis painted in Abuja colours to improve safety and reduce the “one chance” problem. He added that the government has already secured buses that are expected to arrive before the end of the year.
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After checking the Central Business District Bus Terminal, Wike said he was satisfied with the work and noted that the location has a different design from the Kugbo and Mabushi terminals earlier commissioned. He said the contractor aims to finish the project before the year ends.
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His reaction changed when he arrived at the Pai–Gomani project. The road, which was awarded before the 15-kilometre A2–Pai road, has faced slow progress, unlike the A2–Pai road which has been completed and opened. Wike said the contractor and the STDD have not been communicating properly, which has affected progress. He also said the new amount submitted for the project change was almost the same as the original cost, which made the action even more troubling.
Wike stated that the STDD processed the variation without seeking approval from the proper authorities. He noted that he does not have the power to approve such a large amount because the contract was first awarded by the Federal Executive Council. He explained that in cases like this, the department must first write to the President for approval, then go to the Bureau of Public Procurement, and later return to the Federal Executive Council before any change can stand. He said any official who ignored the procedure will face sanctions.
Despite the issues on the Pai–Gomani road, Wike announced that a new 13-kilometre Gomani–Yangoji road has been awarded to Zeberced Construction Company, the same firm that handled the A2–Pai road. He said he believes the company will complete the project in time for President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary.
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