By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said ongoing road and water projects in rural communities and satellite towns are helping to reduce insecurity and improve access to farmlands across the territory.
Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the FCT Administration prioritised rural infrastructure after consultations with traditional rulers, youths, women and other community stakeholders.
According to him, residents identified poor road networks as a major challenge hindering security operations and economic activities in rural areas.
“What we did was to go to the rural areas and interact with the stakeholders, the chiefs, the youths, the women and other leaders,” Wike said.
He explained that many communities complained that security agencies found it difficult to respond to attacks because roads linking the areas were largely inaccessible.
“They told us most of the roads were not passable at all and that even when attacks occurred, security operatives could not effectively respond because the roads were bad. So we took on the task and built the roads they themselves nominated,” he stated.
The minister noted that completed road projects, particularly in Kuje Area Council and other satellite communities, have improved mobility, enhanced security response and boosted agricultural activities.
“Those roads have been built, and it really helps in terms of reducing insecurity and in terms of having access to their farmland,” he added.
Wike also disclosed that several infrastructure projects, including water schemes in Kuje, Orozo, Gwagwalada and Dobi, would be inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu as part of activities marking the administration’s anniversary.
He said the projects were designed to expand access to potable water and improve living conditions in underserved communities.
“We can’t concentrate only on the city. We must also move to the satellite towns and provide them with critical infrastructure,” the minister said.
According to him, the water projects have been completed and are ready for commissioning.
Wike further highlighted ongoing road projects across the territory, including the A2-Pai Road, Bwari-Kubwa Road, roads in Dei-Dei and sections of the A3 Highway, noting that efforts are also underway to improve connectivity along the Abuja Airport corridor and the Zuba-Airport Road.
The minister also revealed plans to review the Abuja Master Plan, saying discussions with the original Japanese consultants responsible for the city’s design have been scheduled for July.
He stressed the need to align development plans with current realities and emerging urban challenges.
Wike urged residents and the media to support governance through constructive engagement and useful feedback.
“Constructive criticism is important. If citizens call our attention to certain things and make useful suggestions, we can act on them,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that the FCT Administration is constructing additional hostel accommodation at the Nigerian Law School to improve educational infrastructure within the capital territory.
