By Sarah NEGEDU
Wike, who spoke while flagging off the construction of access roads ILS 02 and ILS 03 (Timipre Sylva Street) in Mabushi District, said that his administration would not be distracted by criticisms of focusing too heavily on road construction.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that Abuja will undergo huge infrastructural transformation before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term.
He maintained that modern infrastructure remained the bedrock of development in any city, stressing that the FCT would soon compete with some of the world’s leading capitals.
“By the time Mr President’s tenure expires, Abuja will be a different city. In terms of infrastructure, Abuja will compete with other known cities of the world. What we are doing is implementing the vision of the President, and no sector will be left untouched,” the minister said.
He dismissed suggestions that the administration was investing disproportionately in roads, arguing that without functional infrastructure, no meaningful growth could be sustained.
Wike also stressed that the era of abandoned projects was over, explaining that every contract being awarded had secured funding.
“Don’t bring projects when you don’t have the money. If you award contracts without funding, you only raise false hopes. That is why we are ensuring that every project we flag off is backed by available funds,” he said.
After the flag-off, Wike moved to Dakibiyu in Jabi District and Gishiri, where he inspected ongoing work at the Court of Appeal complex and the judges’ residential quarters.
While he expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the judges’ housing, he raised concerns over the slow progress at the appellate court project.
“I am not too satisfied that the contractor will meet the promised timeline, but I believe the project will not exceed this year,” he said, disclosing that he had summoned the contractor for urgent talks.
The minister praised President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of judicial officers, describing the housing projects as a vital step toward strengthening the independence of the judiciary.
“With what Mr President has put out, it shows he wants our judges to be independent and safe, not living among criminals. That is why these quarters are very important,” Wike stated.
