The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has given his assurance to the residents of Abuja regarding the FCT Administration’s commitment to providing essential infrastructure projects in these areas.
This statement was made during the minister’s inspection of the ongoing construction of the 7.3-kilometer Gaba/Tokulo road in the Bwari Area Council on Friday.
Minister Wike was accompanied by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department, Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu.
Wike expressed his satisfaction with the pace and quality of the work on the road project, ensuring that it will be adequately funded to guarantee its completion by December of this year.
He revealed that the project is currently 40 percent complete, with about 70 percent of the contractual sum already paid to the contractor by the FCT Administration.
Wike expressed confidence in the contractor’s ability to deliver the project within the agreed timeline.
The Minister highlighted the significance of the Gaba/Tokulo road, stating that its completion will not only enhance transportation in the rural parts of the FCT but also improve food security in Abuja by providing better access to farmlands and markets.
He emphasized that development efforts are not limited to the city but extend to the rural areas as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to improve the economy by addressing both urban and rural needs.
“So many people have thought that we are only concentrating in the city. Yesterday, we were in Saburi, today we are in Bwari. Tomorrow, we will be in Kuje, so that people will understand that while we are working in the city, we are also carrying out development in the satellite towns and rural areas. This is because, by the Renewed Hope Agenda, development is not only to be concentrated within the city but also to extend to rural areas to improve the economy,” Wike stated.
He further explained the importance of the road for the agrarian community, noting that without it, farmers would struggle to transport their goods, exacerbating food insecurity issues.
“People are talking about shortages of food, but if we don’t have a means of transportation, that is also a problem.
We are trying to solve that problem of transportation for farmers to be able to go and bring whatever they have produced for people to consume or to buy,” he added.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the people of Bwari for their support of the government and reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the country’s economic challenges.
He called for continued patience and support from Nigerians, acknowledging the difficulties but affirming the government’s determination to tackle these issues.
“We thank the people of Bwari and want to also let them know that the government of President Tinubu is serious about solving the economic crisis we have. All we urge Nigerians is just to be patient. It is not easy, but the President knows that there are problems and that’s why he said he will tackle those problems and challenges.”
