PBAT To Commission 17 Projects In Abuja, As Wike Confirms Readiness

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Dr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the commissioning of 17 projects in Abuja, beginning Tuesday, June 10.

Wike made this known during a site inspection of key projects across the territory, including the International Conference Centre (ICC) and the Gishiri road corridor.

The minister stated that the commissioning will commence with the ICC, followed by the Gishiri dual carriageway, which links major districts such as Jahi, Maitama, and Mabushi.

“Mr. President has given us 10 good days where he will personally be around to commission 10 projects,” Wike said. “We are set to go. This is a milestone in the Renewed Hope Agenda, and we are thankful for the opportunity to deliver on our promises.”

The minister further disclosed that the remaining seven projects will be commissioned by other top government officials. The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, will commission three, while the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives will commission two projects each.

Wike emphasized that for the first time, projects in rural and satellite towns will be included in the commissioning schedule, with President Tinubu slated to inaugurate two of such projects.

“This is a significant moment for the satellite towns. The people will finally see and feel the impact of governance at the federal level,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government in making the projects possible.

He noted that the National Assembly approved all budgetary requests without delay, a move that has contributed to the rapid pace of implementation.

“When we present a budget, it’s because we intend to execute it,” he said. “And now they can see that what we asked for has been turned into reality.”

Regarding the maintenance of key facilities like the ICC, Wike assured the public that it will not be business as usual as the centre will be maintained under a formal agreement with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with direct supervision from the FCT Minister’s office.

“We are putting a stop to the practice of handing facilities over to political appointees with no structure for maintenance,” he stated. “Julius Berger will manage the facility, and we will ensure they are paid and supervised.”

The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and thanked President Tinubu for his support.

“If the people are happy, we are happy. What we are witnessing is the impact of responsible governance,” Wike said.

The 17 projects form part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at delivering tangible development and infrastructural transformation across the country.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji