In Abuja on Wednesday, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike expressed satisfaction with the speed and standard of ongoing infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital, saying the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to extend development to satellite towns and rural communities.
During an inspection tour of several projects, Wike said work at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre annex had reached about 95 percent completion. He explained that furniture had already been installed while only minor finishing work remained before the facility would be ready for use.
The minister also visited the access road leading to the conference centre, a project being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. According to him, the road project had already been completed while workers were installing streetlights ahead of its planned inauguration during activities marking the president’s third year in office.
Wike further inspected the Tudun Wada road project connecting Old Ushafa Road and disclosed that the remaining asphalt and streetlight installation would soon be completed. He said the government’s attention is no longer limited to the city centre, adding that satellite communities are also being included in ongoing development plans.
He pointed to ongoing road construction around the Zuba axis and said opening up rural communities through improved roads remains part of the administration’s goals for the FCT. According to him, the projects would improve movement and bring more economic activities to surrounding communities.
The minister also commended contractors handling the projects for meeting deadlines and maintaining good construction standards. He noted that many of the projects inspected were progressing according to schedule.
Speaking on claims that Area Council chairmen were failing to properly use allocations because of interventions by the FCT Administration, Wike dismissed the allegations. He explained that many Area Councils spend a large part of their monthly allocations on salaries, especially payments for teachers, and said people often make accusations without knowing the financial situation of the councils.
Wike also spoke briefly about the ongoing primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party, saying the screening process had been completed and that the primaries were proceeding smoothly with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission present during the exercise.