By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has set December 2026 as the deadline for completing and commissioning major ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja after inspecting several projects, including the Arterial Road N1 linking Wuye to Ring Road 2, the Tunga Madaki-Zuba Road and the 5.6-kilometre Zaudna-Kabba-Kagini rural road.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work despite delays caused by heavy rainfall.
Wike said construction would intensify as the rains subside, adding that the contractors had the capacity to meet the December deadline.
“I am very impressed with the progress we have seen so far and with the commitment of the contractors. But for the heavy rains, they would have gone much further,” he said.
The minister said the completion of the Zaudna-Kabba-Kagini road would improve access to rural communities and boost economic activities in the area.
He described the projects as part of President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructure drive and said their completion would be among the administration’s “Christmas gifts” to FCT residents.
“We promised residents that these projects will be part of their Christmas gifts from Mr. President so they can go home and enjoy the festivities,” Wike said.
Wike responds to FCT loan allegations
Wike also dismissed allegations that the FCT Administration obtained loans without the approval of the National Assembly.
The allegation had previously been raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who questioned the approval process for FCT borrowing.
The House of Representatives had also previously said there was no evidence that Wike violated the required procedures in financing FCT projects.
Wike said borrowing for FCT projects must be captured in the budget and receive the necessary legislative authorisation.
“There is no way we can go and take loans without the approval of the National Assembly,” he said.
He said the focus should instead be on how resources are being used to develop the territory and deliver infrastructure to residents.
Projects and 2027 elections
Wike also linked the infrastructure projects to the administration’s broader political message ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Look at what we are doing — that is the campaign itself. The work speaks for itself,” he said.
The inspected projects are among several major infrastructure developments the FCT Administration says it is targeting for completion before the 2027 general elections.
