Politics won’t slow development in FCT — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that political activities in Abuja, including the upcoming Area Council elections, will not slow down ongoing infrastructure development across the capital.

Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday while inspecting several projects, stressing that governance and service delivery would continue uninterrupted regardless of political timelines.

“Politics is different. You have to serve the people. Politics has its own time, and the work will continue to go on. Politics is not going to affect it,” he said.

The minister said sustaining project execution was critical to demonstrating the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that visible results remained the government’s priority.

“The only way to make sure people are happy and see that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real is to continue with the work,” he noted.

During the tour, Wike inspected the Institutional Research Road linking Nile University, the Body of Benchers and other institutions. He described the road as a strategic alternative route that would ease traffic around the corridor leading to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission headquarters.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, revealing that the contractor is expected to deliver the project by the end of May.

“It is one of the projects lined up for inauguration during the President’s third year in office,” he said.

At the Body of Benchers extension building, Wike disclosed that construction was about 80 per cent complete, with only landscaping left.

The minister also visited a seven-kilometre road corridor stretching from Euclid Road through Bright Road to Tungan Madaki. He said the project, which includes a large conference hall and a four-span bridge, would significantly improve access to underserved communities.

“You can imagine what these areas have suffered over the years. It is unimaginable. But we thank God we now have the opportunity to open them up,” he said.

Wike explained that the project’s scope was expanded after consultations with residents, who requested not only compensation for affected crops but also proper road access to the city.

“They asked that if we were paying compensation, they should also be linked to the city. That is what we are doing today — a promise made, a promise fulfilled,” he added.

He said contractors had assured the FCT Administration that major works would be completed between late May and early June, noting that regular inspections would continue to ensure quality and timely delivery.

On Tuesday, the minister had also inspected projects at Gishiri village in Katampe District, the Outer Southern Expressway (Ring Road I), where bridge construction is ongoing, and the Apo-Wassa axis to assess road infrastructure for Apo traders.

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