Wike Brags About Tinubu’s Satellite Town Development…Says Variation May Delay Gomani Road Completion

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Nyesom Wike, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory, remains unprecedented.

Wike who stated this during inspection of the ongoing Pai – Gomani road project in Kwali Area Council of Abuja, maintained that no previous government has matched the current tempo of investment in outlying rural communities.

The Minister stressed that the transformation unfolding in rural communities, especially in Kwali and other area councils, is a direct result of Tinubu’s insistence on equitable infrastructural development across the FCT.

“I never believed these communities would see this level of development in their lifetime. But here we are… This administration is truly touching lives in the satellite towns.

“This government is investing heavily in infrastructure, not only in the city, but across satellite towns. I am proud of what I have seen, and I am happy to be part of it.”

“This is the first time in any administration that satellite towns have been given priority. I am very happy with the kind of development this government has brought. People should appreciate the work this administration is doing,” Wike noted.

However, the Minister expressed his disappointment with the slow pace of construction on the Pai–Gomani road project, expressing concern that the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council, and any variation arising from there, may lead to delay in completion.

He said the contractor had failed to meet expectations, despite the project was awarded ahead of other roads that have since been completed, and expressed shock that some FCTA officials could consent to variation without necessary approval.

“Frankly speaking, I am not too impressed. This project was awarded before the A2–Pai road, yet that one has been completed and commissioned.

“There appear to be a lack of communication between the developer and contractors, and issues of variation that I am not comfortable with…Those who do not do what they are supposed to do will be sanctioned. You cannot work without certain approval.” Wike warned.

Earlier at the Central Business District Bus Terminal, Dr Wike praised the quality and speed of work, describing it as superior in design to earlier commissioned terminals in Mabushi and Kugbo.

“The central business bus terminal has impressed me. The quality of work there is different from what we saw at Mabushi and Kugbo. The contractor is determined to finish before the end of the year, and the buses for takeoff are already available. We are very happy with the progress.” Wike said.

Wike also visited the Glmani–Gamji 13km road, expressing confidence in Zeberced Engineering, the firm that handled the successful A2–Pai project.

According to the Minister, with the heavy equipment Zeberced deployed on-site, the road is expected to be completed on schedule and could feature in the President’s next round of project inaugurations.

Wike who confirmed other ongoing work on major corridors, like the reassigned Apo–Karshi road, now handled by SCC, the Kubwa–Bwari road and the Zuba–Kubwa axis, where construction activities are progressing steadily, said the progress being recorded across FCT were proofs of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” in action.

Wike assured that the renewed priority on rural infrastructure in FCT under President Tinubu will boost economic growth, ease transportation challenges, and improve overall quality of life.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji