FCT Projects Safe Despite Politics, Wike Says

According to official sources, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reassured residents that political activities in Abuja, including the upcoming Area Council Elections on February 21, will not disrupt ongoing development projects in the capital.

Wike made the assurance during an inspection of several infrastructure projects on Wednesday, emphasizing that governance and service delivery would proceed irrespective of political timelines. He noted that the primary responsibility of government is to prioritize the welfare of the people, asserting that political engagements would not interfere with project execution.

“Politics is different. You have to serve the people. Politics has its own time, and the work will continue to go on. Politics is not going to affect it,” Wike stated.

The minister highlighted that consistent project delivery is essential to demonstrating the sincerity of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “The only way to make sure that people will be happy and see that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real is to continue with the work,” he added.

Among the projects inspected was the Institutional Research Road, which connects Nile University, the Body of Benchers, and other institutions, while also serving as an alternative route to the older road leading to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission headquarters. Wike described the road as a strategic traffic corridor, noting that the project is progressing well and is expected to be completed and handed over by the end of May.

He also inspected the Body of Benchers extension building, revealing that construction is about 80 percent complete, with only landscaping remaining.

The minister later visited a major seven-kilometre road corridor stretching from Euclid Road through Bright Road to Tungan Madaki, highlighting infrastructure developments along the route, including a large conference hall and a four-span bridge. He described the project as transformational for communities that have long been neglected.

Wike disclosed that the project scope was expanded after consultations with residents, who requested that compensation for affected crops be complemented with proper road access. “They asked that if we were paying compensation, they should also be linked to the city. That is what we are doing today — a promise made, a promise fulfilled,” he said.

Contractors have assured the FCT Administration that major works will be completed between late May and early June. Wike confirmed that routine inspections will continue to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of infrastructure projects during an inspection tour that included Gishiri village in Katampe District, the Outer Southern Expressway (Ring Road I) bridge construction site, and the Apo-Wassa axis, where roads for Apo traders are being developed.