Wike Sets Ambitious Deadline For Inner-Southern Road Project Completion

Wike Sets Ambitious Deadline For Inner-Southern Road Project Completion

In a bold move to reshape the transportation landscape of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has pledged to finalize the Inner Southern Expressway project by December this year…..CONTINUE READING

The commitment follows the minister’s recent inspection of ongoing road projects in the FCT, highlighting the government’s determination to enhance infrastructure.

The Inner Southern Expressway, an ambitious 13.193-kilometer, four-way road featuring 10 lanes, aims to connect the Southern Parkway to Ring Road II (Galadimawa roundabout) with the potential to link AYA to the Galadimawa roundabout. Minister Wike, acknowledging the project’s significance, expressed confidence in its completion by December, provided sufficient funding is allocated.

During his visit to the construction site of the 15-kilometer left-hand services carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway Stage II, extending from Ring I Junction to Wasa Junction, Wike emphasized the positive impact on alleviating traffic congestion along these routes. He assured that the government is committed to providing the necessary funding to ensure the timely completion of both projects.

Shehu Ahmad, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, provided details on the progress and costs of the projects. The left-hand services carriageway project, at 57.8% completion, has received N5.1 billion out of the N17.6 billion total cost. Meanwhile, the Inner Southern Expressway, currently at 30% completion, was awarded at N91.8 billion, with N26.7 billion paid to contractors and outstanding liabilities of N14.1 billion. Ahmad highlighted the need for an additional N65.1 billion for the project’s completion.

Representing the contractors, Mr. Fan Jin from CGC Nigeria Ltd cited the project’s complexities, including numerous bridges, as reasons for delays. While the original completion date was set for 2027, Jin expressed confidence that proper funding could expedite the project’s conclusion. The ambitious deadline sets the stage for a transformative change in the FCT’s infrastructure and traffic management.