Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said ongoing investments in roads and water infrastructure across satellite towns are helping to reduce insecurity and improve economic activities in rural communities.
The minister said the projects were undertaken after residents identified poor road networks as a major challenge affecting security response and access to farmlands in many parts of the territory.
Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the administration engaged traditional rulers, youths, women and other stakeholders before embarking on the projects, adding that many of the roads being constructed were selected by the communities themselves.
He said, “What we did was to go to the rural areas and interact with the stakeholders the chiefs, the youths, the women and other leaders.
“What I found very interesting is that they know their terrain. They told us most of the roads were not passable at all and that even when attacks occurred, security operatives could not effectively respond because the roads were bad. So we took on the task and built the roads they themselves nominated.”
According to him, the completed roads have improved access to communities and farmlands while also supporting efforts to tackle insecurity, particularly in Kuje Area Council and other rural areas.
“Those roads have been built, and it really helps in terms of reducing insecurity and in terms of having access to their farmland,” he stated.
Wike said the FCT Administration remains committed to extending development beyond the city centre, stressing that residents of satellite towns deserve access to the same basic infrastructure as those living within Abuja city.
He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu would commission a number of projects in rural communities as part of activities marking the anniversary of the administration.
Among the projects are water schemes in Kuje, Orozo, Gwagwalada and Dobi, which he said are designed to improve access to potable water in underserved communities.
“We can’t concentrate only on the city. We must also move to the satellite towns and provide them with critical infrastructure,” Wike said.
The minister revealed that the water projects, executed by CGC, are ready for commissioning, adding that the interventions have already begun impacting communities across the territory.
He said the administration’s focus is on ensuring that government policies translate into visible improvements in the lives of residents.
“Whatever policies we make, by the grace of God, we will implement them. That is how people are going to see the impact of governance, particularly in the rural areas,” he said.
Wike also highlighted ongoing and completed road projects across the FCT, including the A2-Pai road, the Bwari-Kubwa road, roads in Dei-Dei and sections of the A3 highway.
According to him, work is progressing steadily on the Abuja airport corridor and the Zuba-Airport link road, while the Bwari-Kubwa road is expected to be completed this year.
The minister further disclosed that discussions with the original Japanese designers of the Abuja Master Plan have been scheduled for July as part of efforts to review the document and align it with current realities.
“The world has changed. The world is different. You have to conform with current realities,” he said.
He urged residents and the media to continue offering constructive feedback to government, saying such engagements help authorities identify areas requiring intervention.
“Government can’t do everything. If citizens call our attention to certain things and make useful suggestions, we can act on them. Constructive criticism is important,” he added.
Wike also disclosed that the FCT Administration is constructing additional hostel accommodation for students of the Nigerian Law School as part of efforts to improve educational infrastructure in the capital city.
