Wike unveils more projects to transform Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed commitment to transforming Abuja’s infrastructure, with major road projects targeted for completion by December 2026 and early January 2027.

Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday, after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Inner Southern Expressway (Goodluck Jonathan Way), a road project that was awarded in 2014 and the service carriageways of the Southern Parkway in Gaduwa District.

The minister expressed confidence that the projects would reshape the urban layout and enhance seamlessly interconnected mobility across the territory.

According to him, the completion of the long-standing projects will dramatically alter the aesthetic and functional design of the city center.

“I am quite confident by December ending, God willing, these two projects will have been delivered to us, and you can imagine what the landscape will be,” Wike stated.

He emphasised the visual and structural impact the completed interchanges and carriageways will have on the capital.

“Beyond physical infrastructure, the minister noted the positive socio-economic ripple effects on local communities, pointing out that local youth have been actively engaged in the construction efforts, fostering a peaceful environment free from community conflicts.

“With the target deadline set for the end of December, the completion of these critical corridors is expected to decongest major traffic arteries, improve citywide connectivity, and usher in a modern urban era for the FCT,” he said.

He praised the project’s main contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), for maintaining continuous day-and-night operations on both the Southern Parkway and ISEX, a crucial artery originally awarded in 2014 that had experienced years of delays.

Wike highlighted the financial support from the federal government as a catalyst for the accelerated pace of work.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the complete release of funds for the ISEX Phase 1, an intervention that covers the construction of two major interchanges and over five kilometers of road infrastructure.

Commending CGC for demonstrating faith in the current administration by progressing significantly despite delayed initial mobilisation, the minister urged other contractors in the FCT to adopt a similar approach focused on development over immediate financial gain.

“Everything is not about profit; sometimes it is about your contribution to the development of the area. Money will come at the end of the day,” Wike noted.

He reassured contractors that the administration remains committed to honoring its financial obligations and cautioned firms against external pressures from competitors seeking to slow down the pace of construction.