From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in a comprehensive inspection tour of key road infrastructure projects, expressed optimism about meeting timelines for several critical roadways ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.
According to a statement by the Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of several major road infrastructure projects during a routine inspection in Abuja on Thursday.
The projects, including the OSEX left-hand service carriageway, the N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) interchange, and the Arterial Road N5 from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, are slated for commissioning in May as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary celebrations.
At Wassa Junction, the road leading from OSEX is expected to be completed and inaugurated by the second year mark, a milestone officials attribute to diligent work and divine favour. Similarly, the Northern Parkway interchange, a vital traffic node, is progressing well under Gilmore’s supervision, with assurances that it too will be ready for inauguration within the same timeframe.
The N5 project, segmented into two phases, covers the stretch from Life Camp to a village beyond several bridges. The first phase, currently underway by Julius Berger, is slated for completion soon. “We will pray to God that we will have to utilise it,” Wike remarked, expressing confidence in the contractor’s commitment. Overall, the quality of work across all sites has been praised, with government representatives emphasising their own efforts to fulfil obligations to avoid delays from contractors.
“We are happy that it will be a packed anniversary for Mr. President,” the spokesperson said. “Indeed, we really hope the Renewed Hope Agenda is working, and people are happy with what we are seeing.”
When asked about project costs, Wike said financial details would be disclosed during an official account of stewardship but revealed that the National Assembly had approved a virement of approximately N10 billion for the N5 road project. He expressed confidence that these funds would be effectively utilized before the expiration of the 2024 budget.
The Minister also highlighted the alignment of these projects with the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting their benefits to FCT residents. “Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda is working and people are happy with what they are seeing,” he said.
Ogunleye confirmed that the FCT Administration remains committed to timely completion and quality delivery, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling promises made to the public and avoiding abandoned projects.