Wike gives STDD ultimatum over waste, orders faster completion of key roads

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, threatening immediate dismissal over uncollected refuse heaps in parts of the territory.

Wike gave the ultimatum on Friday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects across satellite towns, including Karshi, Bwari and Kubwa, to assess progress under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the capital.

The minister’s mood reportedly changed when he encountered a large refuse dump along the Orozo–Karshi road, which he described as unacceptable negligence.

Visibly displeased, Wike warned that failure to address sanitation lapses would attract swift sanctions.

“If by Monday I still see negligence or non-compliance with expected standards, those responsible will be removed,” he said, stressing that his administration would not tolerate poor performance.

He emphasised that environmental sanitation must go hand-in-hand with infrastructure development, noting that refuse management failures undermine the government’s efforts to improve living conditions.

According to him, any operational lapses in Karshi, Bwari or other satellite towns will result in officials being held accountable.

Despite the sanitation concerns, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of ongoing road projects, particularly in Karshi.

On the long-delayed Apo–Karshi road, which has troubled commuters for over a decade, the minister disclosed that the initial contract had been rescinded and re-awarded to SCC Construction Company to fast-track completion. He said work has already commenced in earnest.

He also highlighted the 17-kilometre Bwari–Kubwa road project, describing it as a strategic development expected to boost economic activities and ease movement between the two densely populated areas.

Providing timelines, Wike said the Bwari–Kubwa road is scheduled for completion by May 3, 2026, while landscaping and environmental improvements across the corridor are expected to be finalised before the end of the year.

The minister reiterated that his administration remains committed to delivering projects on schedule and maintaining strict performance standards among officials.