Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to complete all strategic projects in the territory within the shortest possible time.
Wike made the affirmation while inspecting some ongoing projects within the city. The projects include the official residence of the Vice President, roads B12, B6, Circle Road, and Abuja Central Area, as well as the Southern Parkway, which is nearing completion.
The minister, who assured the contractors that the necessary funds would be made available to ensure that the projects were completed by May 2024, commended the contractors for the quality and pace of work of the projects.
Speaking at the official residence of the Vice President, being constructed by Julius Berger, Wike said: “You made a promise to us that you will complete this project within 7-8 months. Even though we have not mobilised you, you have shown concern by working.
“It is very important and shows that you have confidence in us. Let me assure you that we will mobilise you before December. After that, you have to expedite work to ensure completion before May 29, 2024.
“I believe that you have the capacity to achieve that. I also believe there is no need to wait. If you know my antecedent, you know that I don’t make promises I cannot fulfil.
“As far as I have gotten the support of Mr President and Vice President, I can tell you go ahead and put everything in hand so that we can achieve this so that all the stories of abandoned properties will no longer be there. It will be a thing of the past. The manpower shows that you are really serious, so just go ahead and we will give you the funds to be able to mobilise.”
The Minister said he had the backing of the President to identify key projects that are deliverable within one year and the projects inspected fall within the category, stressing that the FCTA will continue to fund them.
Wike, who lamented the increased cost of executing projects that were awarded years ago but abandoned, said this hike in cost was putting a lot of strain on the finances of the FCTA and stunting the growth and development of the nation’s capital
