The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has warned directors in the Administration against sitting on files for weeks, saying once he has granted approvals, the bureaucracy should be able to do its due diligence within seven days and ensure the release of funds.
Wike added that he would not allow anyone to stifle the development of rural communities in the nation’s capital.
The minister handed down the warning on Tuesday in Abuja during the flag-off of the 5-kilometre Naharati – River Ukya – Unguwan Hausawa road in Abaji Area Council of the territory.
It is the fifth flag-off of rural road construction in the Area Councils since Wike assumed office.
“We had a meeting on Monday with the most senior director to speed up due diligenceInfrastructure Devt: Minister Reprimands Bureaucracy.This will mobilise the contractors and avoid seeking variation. I need the support of the bureaucracy so that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, “he said.
Noting that President Bola Tinubu has mandated him to ensure even the development of the councils, Wike said all the rural roads being flagged-off would be completed before the end of the year.
“Mr. President has mandated me and the Minister of State to see that we come to the Area Councils for you to feel the impact of governance. We have talked about insecurity. If you don’t have good roads, can you fight insecurity? One of the ways of fighting insecurity is to provide good roads so that security agencies can chase criminals and apprehend them. If you don’t have good roads you can’t go to the farms. This road is also to support agricultural development.
“The president has told us that development should not only be concentrated in the city. One of the reason for rural-urban migration is access to amenities, and when you provide that in the rural areas, people will stay in their areas.
“Insecurity does not know any political party. Hardship does not know who belongs to which party. Therefore, the council chairmen owe the people to provide good governance.
“All these projects we are starting will be completed this year. None will get to next year. We must make people have confidence in government by fulfilling our promises. Be assured that these roads in the six area councils will be completed before the year ends. Wike added
Earlier, the Chairman of the Council, Abdullahi Abubakar, said the road will facilitate the movement of goods and services by supporting agricultural development.
While he called on the people to remain united in their determination to see the project through to completion, he expressed the support of his people for the administration.
Shakirat Sadiq
