The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the administration’s 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) and the service carriageways of the Southern Parkway in Gaduwa District.
The minister expressed confidence that the projects would significantly reshape the city’s urban landscape and improve connectivity across the FCT.
According to him, completing the long-delayed projects would dramatically transform the aesthetic and functional outlook of the city centre.
“I am quite confident that by the end of December, God willing, these two projects will have been delivered to us, and you can imagine what the landscape will be,” Wike said.
He emphasised the visual and structural impact that the completed interchanges and carriageways would have on the nation’s capital.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, Wike said the projects were already generating positive socio-economic benefits for local communities, particularly through the engagement of local youths in the construction work.
He noted that the involvement of residents had also contributed to a peaceful environment, free from community-related conflicts.
With the completion target set for the end of December, the projects are expected to decongest major traffic arteries, improve connectivity and support the development of a more modern urban environment in the FCT.
Wike commended the main contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), for maintaining continuous day-and-night operations on the Southern Parkway and the Inner Southern Expressway.
He described the ISEX as a crucial road corridor that was originally awarded in 2014 but had suffered years of delays.
The minister attributed the accelerated pace of work to the financial support provided by the federal government.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the full release of funds for the ISEX Phase One, which covers the construction of two major interchanges and more than five kilometres of road infrastructure.
Wike also commended CGC for demonstrating confidence in the administration by making significant progress despite delays in the initial mobilisation of funds.
He urged other contractors handling projects in the FCT to adopt a similar approach, prioritising development alongside commercial considerations.
“Everything is not ab out profit; sometimes it is about your contribution to the development of the area. Money will come at the end of the day,” Wike said.
He reassured contractors that the administration remained committed to meeting its financial obligations while cautioning them against external pressures from competitors seeking to slow down the pace of construction.
