..Rules out May xommissioning for some sites
By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of work going on across the various infrastructure projects in the territory.
Wike, who stated this after inspection tour of major road and bridge constructions, clarified that some of the projects would however not be ready for commissioning until September 2025.
During the inspection, Wike visited projects in Giri District, including road expansions near the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Academy and the University of Abuja, as well as work on the Inner and Outer Northern Expressways.
Addressing journalists during one of the inspections on Wednesday, the minister emphasized the importance of the site visits in ensuring the quality and timely completion of projects.
He praised the commitment of contractors, noting that several firms have promised to complete their work by the end of May.
“Levanti, that is doing the Giri district, has also promised that by the end of May, they will have handed over,” Wike said. “But this is not part of what we are going to commission in May. This will be in September 2025, so that nobody will say we made a promise we didn’t keep.”
The minister emphasized that routine inspections of infrastructure projects are necessary to ensure timely delivery and of the highest specified standards.
According to him, “I do know that for us, we cannot just sit in the offices to say that jobs are going on. It is part of our jobs to go and see for ourselves, to look at the quality of the jobs.”
A particularly notable highlight of the tour was the Inner Northern Expressway bridge, which spans a railway corridor and connects Idu to Zuba. Wike, visibly impressed, said the development marked a turning point for connectivity and community integration.
He said, “It gives us pleasure, and we are happy with what we are doing. We are also happy that the people are happy. You can imagine the communities there, how they feel that today, they have a road connecting them to other parts of Abuja. That, of course, is the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are happy that the promises made are being kept to the glory of God.”
Wike added that the infrastructure push is a deliberate strategy to decongest Abuja’s city center by making the outskirts more accessible. “From that area to the city takes at least 15 minutes. That’s what we are praying for—to discourage people from moving unnecessarily into the city.”
