By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that more than ₦400 billion is now required to complete the long-abandoned Abuja Millennium Tower, prompting moves to secure direct Federal Government funding for the iconic project.
Speaking after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the FCT Administration could not shoulder the enormous financial burden without jeopardising other critical projects across the capital city.
He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with President Bola Tinubu to have the Millennium Tower reclassified as a national project, making it eligible for funding from the Federal Government.
“That is a national project. I believe it is one project that the government should reconsider as a tourist centre project. The capital involved is too huge for the FCT’s statutory budget. As I speak to you, the contractor is talking about not less than ₦400 billion. If we attempt to carry out such a project alone, every other project in Abuja will be abandoned. But we are discussing with the President to consider it as a national project,” Wike said.
The minister explained that the proposal would position the Millennium Tower as a major tourism and economic asset capable of attracting visitors from across the world while boosting Nigeria’s revenue potential.
Despite the funding challenge, Wike reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing infrastructure projects slated for delivery this year, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work by contractors.
Among the projects inspected were the extension of Collector Road CO1 in the Institution and Research District, linking Nile University to Ring Road III and Baze University Junction, as well as the Arterial Road N1 connecting Wuye District to Ring Road II.
He described the road projects as strategic investments that would improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion and support the expansion of educational, legal and research institutions within the Federal Capital Territory.
Providing an update on the Arterial Road N1 being executed by Arab Contractors, Wike assured residents that the project remains on course for completion and commissioning before the end of the year.
The minister attributed the steady progress on ongoing projects to the confidence contractors have in the FCT Administration’s commitment to honouring its financial obligations.
“Even if we have not fully met our obligation at any point, they still go ahead knowing fully well that we will fulfil our part. That trust is there, and I am highly elated with the level of work,” he added.
Wike noted that the administration was not only reviving long-abandoned projects but also delivering new infrastructure initiatives under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He appealed to residents to remain patient and urged the media to continue reporting the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory, insisting that the visible infrastructure development across Abuja reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable growth.
