By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has flagged off the construction of a 198-kilometre water distribution network in Bwari, a project designed to provide potable water to nearly 500,000 residents of the satellite town.
The project, awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited, was originally slated for completion within 18 months, but the contractors have been tasked to deliver before the third year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Performing the flag-off on Wednesday, the Minister Nyesom Wike, said the project was a practical demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to extend development beyond the city centre to the satellite towns.
“One thing you must give to the President is that when he makes his promises, he always fulfills his promises. Today, we are in Bwari. Tomorrow, we will be in Karu. By the next budget, we will be able to go to Kuje and Kwali. And then by 2027, we’ll have taken over Gwagwalada and Abaji. So by the time Mr. President’s four-year tenure expires, all the satellite towns would have been touched by providing them clean, potable water,” he said.
To fast-track delivery, Wike explained that the President has already approved and released 50 percent of the total contract sum. “The contract for this ought to be 18 months, but we discussed with the contractors and pleaded with them that they have to do all it takes so that by the third year anniversary of Mr. President, we’ll be able to commission these projects. And when the contractors assured us they will try as much as they could, Mr. President immediately approved the release of 50 percent of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited.”
He therefore urged residents to safeguard the project, describing it as one of the most important investments ever made in their community. “This will stop you from digging your own boreholes, providing tanks and the rest. All you need to do is to just link up to the general water source, and then the water will flow; clean water, treated water, unlike the one we do in our boreholes, not treated. This is fully treated water.”
He appealed to traditional rulers, women and youth to take ownership of the project and protect it against vandalism. “If you can protect contractors when they are constructing roads, you can imagine what you will do as regards supply of water, which is one of the basic needs of man in life. Be assured that this will not be an abandoned project. We will start and we will complete it.”
Responding to cheers of “agreement is agreement” from the crowd, the minister said, “I thank God you all said agreement is agreement. We have agreed that we are going to bring water, and we are bringing water. So, when I come back to say we have performed, you too will perform. What President has done for you, when it is your turn, you will also do for President.”
In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud affirmed that access to clean and potable water, would enhanced public health and the quality of life in Bwari in particular and FCT in general.
While expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership, and for placing critical infrastructure such as water supply at the heart of his Renewed Hope Agenda, Mahmoud, applauded the FCT Administration under the leadership of Barrister Nyesom Wike for his dedication and diligence in service delivery.
Giving an overview of the project, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr. Richard Dauda, said the project was a strategic infrastructure initiative aligned with the FCT Regional Master Plan, designed to deliver secondary and tertiary water distribution networks to underserved communities.
He explained that the scope of works includes site clearance, excavation, and the installation of about 198 kilometres of pipes ranging from 60 millimetres to 600 millimetres in diameter, with fittings, joints, flanges and valve chambers.
“The network is an extension of the just-completed Greater Abuja Water Supply project, which was commissioned in June 2025. When completed, it will serve not only Bwari township but also Ushafa, Jigo, Kuduru, Kuchuku and other communities in Bwari Area Council,” Yunana stated.
Most of Bwari currently source their water from private boreholes, with only a few depending on the ageing Usuma Dam booster station where four out of six pumps have broken down. The new project is therefore expected to replace damaged pumps, upgrade electrical equipment and improve reservoir systems to restore reliability.
