The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, stated that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to transform Abuja into a significant construction zone aims to promptly manifest his Renewed Hope Agenda in the lives of residents before his first anniversary in office.
The minister disclosed this on Saturday after he inspected several ongoing projects across the city.
The minister, who expressed delight at the pace of work at the various sites, said some of the projects are nearing completion.
He said, “I have to commend the various contractors. The first site we went to is one of those areas that, by the grace of God, is 85 percent ready. One of those interchanges is in Wuye. The contractors are keeping up to date, and their commitment is to deliver by the end of May.
“We also went to the Kuje road. It will open up that area of the council, and last time when I went to flag off one of the rural roads, I did say that the contractors were not serious, but going back there today, one is very impressed with the level and quality of work.
“I have always said that we are not going to allow any project to be abandoned. We have taken our priorities and most of these projects are also included in the statutory budget of 2024 which will soon be submitted to the National Assembly by Mr President when he returns from Qatar. I am very happy with the quality and speed with which these companies are working.
“By May, Nigerians will see the changes as far as FCT is concerned. We are carrying out a lot of resurfacing of the roads in the city centre, like Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and the rest of them.
“On Abuja turning into a construction site, it is all about the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President. So many people had lost hope before and Mr President said there was no need to lose hope, we are here to rekindle your hope and bring back the hope.
“With the support that Mr President has given us, there is no need for us to begin to make excuses. I don’t want to say there is money or no money. I am not here to criticise anybody who was here before; mine is the opportunity the president has given me. Let me utilise it and work for the people.
“We are very dogged in terms of revenue generation and people can see that when we tell them to pay their taxes, we are not just telling them to pay their taxes but to be used to develop their areas. This is not the time when people pay tax and it is not used, but now people can see what their money is being used for,” he added.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the administration is currently constructing 11 kilometres of the 76-kilometre Kuje-Gwargwada-Rubochi-Abaji-Nasarawa six-lane highway.
