Federal Capital Territory Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, reaffirmed his commitment on Thursday to fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s promises to residents of the nation’s capital.
He emphasized that his administration would avoid starting projects only to leave them unfinished.
During an inspection of FCT Highway 105, also known as the Airport to Kuje Highway, Wike highlighted the impact of the ongoing project. The dualization of the Gwagwalada-Kuje road, extending to the airport road, aims to reduce travel time for those commuting to the city from Kuje and Gwagwalada.
“What is most important is that the promise Mr. President made is being carried out to the letter,” Wike said.
“The work is progressing well, as expected, particularly from the airport to the Kuje community, handled by Arab Contractors. They have promised to complete all earthwork by the end of 2024. Here in Kuje, the dualization of this Garage road should be handed over by contractor Gilmor by December. We have also directed the dualization to continue from Kuje to Gwagwalada to ease transport and reduce travel time. People who do not need to use the Giri-Airport axis will have direct access to town from Gwagwalada. Everyone in Kuje heading to Gwagwalada will benefit from this as well, and I anticipate the economic impact will be significant,” he said.
He added that the road projects include streetlights, which he believes will transform the city’s landscape.
Wike said, “People won’t need to leave Kuje to live in the city to go to work. Within 20 to 25 minutes, you’ll be in the city, which is what everyone hopes for. We thank God that we’re keeping to the promises made by this Administration.”
Wike also highlighted that the road is public and accessible to everyone, and he emphasized the need for the Transmission Company of Nigeria to expedite relocating electrical installations along the route.
“We will ensure that every stakeholder understands the importance of handing over this road promptly,” he noted.
On funding, Wike stressed that the administration is working within the constraints of available resources.
He said, “It’s a matter of strategy and prudence with available resources. No government can claim to have all the resources needed for every service, but our priority is to ensure people see the value in paying their taxes. Nigerians tend to respond positively when they see their tax money at work, and we aim to earn that trust.”
He explained that the administration is working to increase its Internally Generated Revenue which funds these projects.
“There’s no other money coming from anywhere. We are strict about the number of projects we take on, ensuring significant progress before initiating new ones, and confirming funds are available to avoid abandoned projects. It’s not that we have much money, but we’re managing what we have prudently to serve our people,” Wike concluded.
