By Oso Abidemi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will continue to drive Abuja’s transformation into a world-class city before the end of his tenure.
Wike gave the assurance on Thursday during the flag-off of the construction of Arterial Road N20 (Solomon Lar Way), linking Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to the Airport Expressway.
He said the project was in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the administration would not neglect any sector of development.
“All of us can attest that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, the narrative has changed. By the grace of God, before the end of this first tenure, Abuja will compete with most cities in the world,” Wike said.
The minister explained that funding delays had stalled the road project for six months after its award by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) but assured that his leadership would only commence projects with guaranteed financing.
He urged the contractor, Gilmore Engineering, to prioritize employing local youths, noting that the ongoing infrastructure drive in the FCT had already created multiple job opportunities.
“With 16 days of consecutive project flag-offs, you can imagine the number of people engaged. Sixteen days means 16 companies being involved in one way or the other,” he said.
Wike also appealed to residents to cooperate with contractors to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery, warning against project variations that prolong timelines.
He added that the completion of Arterial Road N20 would enhance connectivity, boost economic activities, raise property values, and improve access to key areas of the capital.
“No sector will be left untouched. We have also moved into the health sector to ensure every area of Abuja’s development receives the attention it deserves,” the minister added.
