From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a substantial investment exceeding ₦300 billion in infrastructure development across six area councils in Abuja over the past year.
This announcement was made during the official commissioning of the newly reconstructed 9-kilometre Paikon Kore-Ibwa Road in the Gwagwalada Area Council.
Wike revealed that Gwagwalada alone had received over ₦50 billion in infrastructure investments during the same period. He emphasised the importance of community engagement in identifying infrastructure needs, citing a stakeholders’ meeting held in August 2024 where residents highlighted their priorities, including the need for two specific roads: Aguma Palace Road and Paikon Kore Road.
Wike stated, “This was a road we flagged up sometime in January last year. Today is January 22, 2025. In that stakeholders’ meeting, you requested two roads. One is the Aguma Palace Road and the Paikon Kore Road. We thank God we are here today to commission this Paikon Kore Road.”
Looking ahead, Wike announced plans to commission the Aguma Palace Road during the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in May 2025. He also called on local officials to report completed projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
In response to additional infrastructure requests, Wike instructed the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, to include a critical bridge project in the 2024 statutory budget.
Wike highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to developing satellite towns within the FCT. Since May 2023, significant funds have been allocated specifically for Gwagwalada, including ₦8.5 billion for constructing the Paikon Kore Road and ₦22 billion for Aguma Palace Road.
Additionally, Wike mentioned ongoing renovations at five secondary schools in Gwagwalada, with ₦16.5 billion allocated to improving educational facilities. These schools include the School for the Gifted Gwagwalada, Government Secondary School Gwagwalada, GSS Abagada, GSS Tungan Maje, and GSS Giri.
Investments are also being made in building police divisions to enhance security in the area.
Wike summarised that over ₦50 billion has been committed to projects in Gwagwalada alone. He projected that total investments across all six area councils could exceed ₦300 billion within one year.
Call to Action from the Minister of State
The Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, urged residents and road users to safeguard the newly developed infrastructure.
She stated, “Let us continue to safeguard this road, use it responsibly, and collaborate to ensure more developmental strides in the future.”
Mahmoud expressed her hope that the new road would bring lasting benefits to the community and serve as a symbol of unity and progress.