By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has told residents of the territory to expect massive infrastructure turnaround in 2026 as the nation’s capital attains it’s golden age of 50 years by February next year.
Wike made this disclosure while flagging off the construction of 3.8km Collector Road CN2 in Katampe District of Abuja on Thursday.
The Minister stated that the year 2026 would birthed massive infrastructure shift in a manner never seen since the creation of the territory almost 50 years ago.
He hinges the construction of the Collector CN2 road project which he described as a vital project aimed at opening up of the Gishiri interchange and dualization project on the demand he made to the contractor, Chinese Geo engineering Construction (CGC) in June on the need to link up the road for the project to have maximum impact.
The Minister thanked the contractor for having faith in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying, “To the glory of God, they went ahead. Now we are in the process of awarding the contract and look at what they are doing. I want to commend CGC for having that trust and confidence in the government of President Tinubu”.
He said the road including others is expected to be inaugurated to mark the third year anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, saying that it’s completion will add significant value to real estate within the area which in other words translate into booming economic activities.
“This is one of the projects we have earmarked for Mr. President to inaugurate on his third anniversary celebration, and I know they will not fail us”, he stated.
Wike also disclosed that the same company (CGC) is also handling other major projects, such as the water supply project in Karu, Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari, as well as the dualization of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), which is an eight-lane road leading to Apo/Wasa District, Barr.
He urged the company to continue utilizing local content, providing employment opportunities for FCT residents. He also solicited the support of residents to ensure the timely completion of the project
On the potential sabotage and vandalism on the recently flag off the “Light-Up Abuja” program, aimed at enhancing security across the city, the Minister apparently reacting to the recent experience of light out on the Airport Road urged the company which is also involved in the lighting project not to be discourage by the acts of sabotage which he said were intended to distract the administration.
“I urge you not to relent. There may be some sabotage, including vandalism, but know that all those things are just to distract us. I can assure you that my team and I are very determined. If there is one project we must achieve, it is the light-up Abuja”, Barr. Wike said.
While giving his project overview, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, said that the Collector Road CN2 was an inter-district road that connected Mabushi District to Katampe District, thereby facilitating movement within the various neighbourhoods of the districts.
He said the road, which started from Ahmadu Bello Way, near the Next Cash and Carry Junction, continued as a crescent connecting back to N11 by the Mabushi Bus Terminal. He added that the road further extends into Katampe District up to N16 Junction by Gishiri Village, connecting the Wole Soyinka Way and Shehu Shagari Way.
