From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to complete the ongoing projects across FCT and for commissioning in commemoration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
The Minister stated this while inspecting the rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, the development of Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) and its interchanges, and the Arterial Road N16 and access roads to the Judges Quarters in Katampe District.
Wike who expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work, said he is confident of the timely completion of the ICC rehabilitation by Julius Berger.
Emphasising the economic significance of the ICC’s rehabilitation, he outlined the plans for its sustainable operation and management.
Addressing the previous state of disrepair, the Minister stressed the commitment to a robust maintenance contract with Julius Berger post-rehabilitation, ensuring the facility’s long-term upkeep and economic viability.
Speaking on the Arterial Road N20 interchanges being undertaken by Gilmor, and the connecting roads to the Judges Quarters in Katampe by CGC, the Minister assured of its completion before the anniversary period.
Additionally, he announced the planned commissioning of satellite town road projects in Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Bwari Area Councils.
He acknowledged the support of President Tinubu, adding that, the Presidents encouragement, drove developments in the FCT. “Indeed I am very happy and I thank Mr. President for the support given to us and the encouragement for us to achieve this. It’s not easy.
“I have sent our 2025 budget as approved by the FCT Executive Committee and we would know by today or tomorrow if Mr President will have transmitted our 2025 budget to the National Assembly. Already the 2024 budget will expire in June and so the funds we have for these projects in 2024 are still being used and by the time the 2025 budget is passed, we won’t have problems of funding”, he said.
He assured that the FCT Administration is prepared to address any potential challenges to ensure the projects’ successful completion and inauguration.
