By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at critics of the current administration, saying the ongoing infrastructure transformation in Abuja’s satellite towns is a direct challenge to those he described as “politically expired.”
Speaking at the commissioning of the 16.4 kilometre dualized Ushafa-War College Road in Bwari on Wednesday, Wike said the renewed attention to rural communities proves that the Tinubu administration is delivering where previous governments ignored.
He praised President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for visiting and identifying with residents of the area councils, a development that had never in the past.
He urged detractors to acknowledge visible progress, saying, “Let people hear, let those who don’t have vision, let those who are politically expired, let those who since 1999 have belonged to 10 political parties, let them see what you are doing.”
“I thank God every day. Today is the 15th day. I thank God. Wherever they are, whichever channel they want to watch, they will see Mr. President, what you are doing every day.
“Today is the 15th day, Friday will make it the 16th day. It has never happened, and yet people are saying nothing is working. Until we come to their house, that’s the only way they know something is working. Unfortunately, we won’t come to their house.”
While commending the contractor for timely delivery of the project, the minister recounted his initial doubts about awarding a 16.4-kilometre road project to a local contractor, expressing doubts about the firm’s capacity and resources.
He said he was however proven wrong by the contractor’s performance. “In construction, I’ve never heard one Abdul Val. I’ve been very careful when it concerns road work, because I know road network or road infrastructure is key to opening up of areas and for investors to come in. So, I was not comfortable when I saw that it was a local contractor.”
Meanwhile, President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and faith in local capacity.
“This entire project was awarded to an indigenous contractor, and that decision by the administration was deliberate. It was born out of our belief in the competence, resilience, and ingenuity of Nigerian professionals and businesses.”
“We are not just building roads; we are building capacity. We are creating jobs. We are fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities.”
He said the dualized road will ease traffic, improve access to schools and healthcare, and spur economic growth in Bwari and its surrounding communities.
“This commissioning is not just a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It is a call to action. A declaration that the Nigerian spirit is alive, capable, and ready to deliver excellence.”
