By Huldah Shado
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged that the ongoing “Light Up Abuja” project will be completed ahead of the FCT’s 50th anniversary in February 2026, despite acts of vandalism targeting the initiative.
Wike made the declaration during the flag-off of the 3.8-kilometre Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel I. Ogala Street), connecting Arterial Road N16 (Yemi Osinbajo Way), in Katampe, Abuja.
He warned contractors and residents to anticipate potential obstructions by vandals and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to confront such challenges.
The minister recounted a recent power outage along the airport corridor during President Bola Tinubu’s return from Lagos, attributing it to deliberate vandalism of lighting poles.
He confirmed that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), and China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), are leading the project and urged them to continue despite sabotage.
“I had already told you this project would attract resistance, but we are ready. As long as there is life, there will be challenges. People will fight you, and you will fight back,” Wike said.
He praised CGC for beginning the Katampe road project before formal approval, noting that its completion will ease movement around the Gishiri axis and increase property values.
Wike also highlighted other projects by CGC, including water supply schemes in Karu, Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari, as well as the expansion of the eight-lane Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), linking Apo to Wassa.
Concluding, Wike described himself and the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, as “golden ministers,” emphasizing their privilege to serve during Abuja’s golden jubilee preparations and promising a “massive infrastructure transformation” by 2026.
