By Isah Aliyu Chiroma
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has committed to finishing the construction of B6 and B12 roads, connecting Constitution Avenue to City Gate in Abuja, within the next seven months.
Wike, who made this commitment after inspecting several long-abandoned projects in Abuja on Thursday, also assured that the renovation of the Federal Secretariat would be completed within the next seven to eight months.
Among the neglected projects he visited was the Vice President’s residence, a project awarded in 2010. Another was the residence of the presiding officers of the National Assembly, situated near the National Assembly complex, awarded in 2009.
Accompanied by the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the Permanent Secretary of FCT Administration, Mr. Adesola Olusade, Wike also toured the Millennium Tower construction site in Central Area, Abuja.
The Millennium Tower is a multifunctional edifice designed for cultural exhibitions, tourism, socialization, recreation, hospitality, and commercial activities. Wike emphasized his commitment to delivering these projects promptly, stating his aversion to excuses.
He declared that for those projects that the ministry cannot complete, he would seek assistance from President Bola Tinubu. The road linking the City Gate to Constitution Avenue was described as a “crucial infrastructure” that would transform the Abuja landscape.
The construction company has committed to delivering the project in seven months if adequate funds are provided. Julius Berger has also pledged to complete the renovation of the Federal Secretariat within seven to eight months.
“In the next six to seven months, we aim to see both projects completed,” Wike affirmed. Regarding the Vice President’s residence and the National Assembly officers’ residences, Wike pledged to report to President Tinubu to chart a way forward.
He praised the Millennium Tower as a “fascinating facility” that has the potential to rejuvenate Abuja, attracting tourists and families for leisure. Acknowledging the challenge of funding, Wike indicated his intention to collaborate with the Minister of State for FCT and the Permanent Secretary of FCTA to reform the funding structure of these projects.
He proposed a strategy that involves earmarking funds for specific projects to ensure their timely completion, rather than allocating N500 million annually to projects valued at over N150 billion.
“Fund scarcity is a challenge, no doubt, but we are here to overcome such challenges,” the minister concluded.
In addition to Wike and his team, other officials present during the tour included the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr. Shehu Hadi, along with various directors and top management officials of FCTA.
Your reaction