FCT, Nasarawa To Synergize In Road Infrastructure, Strengthening Security

In efforts to further deepen cross -border ties and enhance development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State is to work together on road construction and security.

Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike gave the indication when he played host to the Governor of Nasarawa State Abdullahi Sule and his team who paid him a visit in Abuja.

Wike reiterated the readiness of the FCT Administration to collaborate with Nasarawa Government on their request to work on the Abacha road to Keffi and the Metro Rail Line from Apo to Keffi.

He however emphasized that any project he would initiate would be based on available funds to guard against having additional uncompleted projects.

His words: “One of the problems we have here, I must tell you is the problem of award of contracts without conclusion. Metro line from Apo to Keffi is key, but very expensive.We will discuss further with you.

“I’m trying to see how we can arrange a meeting between neighbouring states and FCT, so that we can put our heads together and get a system that we can see how we can tackle insecurity, because we cannot do it alone. So people like you, I think will make sure that the renewed hope agenda of the President can be achieved. Be assured that together we will work together, and make sure that the problem is tackled or reduced to the barest minimum.

” You are the first elected Governor that has come to pay us a courtesy call.The role of Nasarawa state as regards the development of the FCT cannot be overemphasized. FCT is at the centre; we have boundaries with Niger, Kogi, Kaduna and Nasarawa states. But of all the states, Nasarawa is the biggest, and very close to us. So, I assure you that we could work together for the development of FCT and Nasarawa State.” Wike said.

Earlier, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule who solicited the collaboration of the FCT Administration for a metro train line from Apo to Keffi among other infrastructural development, said there was need for the States to work together, as many FCT workers are residing in Nasarawa State.

“Close to 40% of those who work in FCT actually live in Nasarawa State.We have a lot of opportunities”.

Governor Sule also used the medium to commend President Bola Tinubu for appointing Wike as the Minister of FCT, expressing his hope that Wike would replicate the good work he did as the two-term governor of Rivers State in the nation’s Capital.

“I was happy when I heard recently that you have identified over 100 roads that you are going to work on.”

Governor Sule further pledged the commitment of Nasarawa State to cooperate with the FCT on joint infrastructural projects, particularly emphasizing the need for a metro train line to connect FCT from the Nasarawa State axis.

The Governor also expressed hope for a joint effort between the FCT and Nasarawa State in developing a parcel of land for the establishment of a modern city like ‘Kigali and Dubai’ along the borders of FCT and Nasarawa State.

“In Nasarawa State, about 5km away from Maitama 2, we do have about 13,000 hectares of land. It is an initiative of the previous Governor. It is in Gukuru kabusu area. We can jointly build another Kigali, another Dubai; and actually we can’t do it alone, we can only do it with FCT and build a clean city that everybodyy will look up to.” Sule said.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji