The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that ongoing political activities in Abuja, including the forthcoming Area Council Elections scheduled for February 21, will not affect the pace of development projects across the capital.
Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday while inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects in the FCT, stressing that governance and service delivery would continue uninterrupted, regardless of political timelines.
“Politics is different. You have to serve the people. Politics has its own time, and the work will continue to go on. Politics is not going to affect it,” the minister said during the inspection tour.
He explained that sustained execution of projects remains central to demonstrating the sincerity of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that citizens are more concerned about visible results than political activities.
“The only way to make sure that people will be happy and see that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real is to continue with the work,” Wike said.
One of the projects inspected was the Institutional Research Road, which links Nile University, the Body of Benchers and other institutions, and serves as an alternative route to the road leading to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission headquarters. Wike described the road as a strategic artery expected to carry significant traffic upon completion.
“The work done there is very encouraging. By the end of May, the contractor will hand over the project, and it is one of those lined up for inauguration during Mr President’s third year in office,” he said.
The minister also inspected the Body of Benchers extension building, disclosing that construction was nearing completion, with about 80 per cent of the work done and only landscaping remaining.
Wike later visited a major road corridor stretching from Euclid Road through Bright Road to Tungan Madaki, covering about seven kilometres. He highlighted key infrastructure along the route, including a large conference hall and a four-span bridge, describing the project as transformative for communities that had long suffered from poor access.
“You can imagine what these areas have suffered over the years. It is unimaginable. But we thank God that we now have the opportunity to open them up,” he said.
He explained that the scope of the project was expanded following consultations with residents, who requested that compensation for affected crops should be complemented with improved access roads to the city.
“They asked that if we were paying compensation, they should also be linked to the city. That is what we are doing today — a promise made, a promise fulfilled,” Wike stated.
The minister added that contractors had assured the FCT Administration that major works would be completed between late May and early June, noting that regular inspections would continue to ensure quality delivery and adherence to timelines.
Earlier in the week, Wike also expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of road and infrastructure projects across Abuja after inspecting sites in Gishiri village, Katampe District, the Outer Southern Expressway (Ring Road I), and the Apo-Wassa axis designated for Apo traders.
