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Says project will link Abuja city centre with rural communities
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has emphasised the critical role of rural infrastructure in bridging the gap between Abuja’s city centre and its surrounding Area Councils.
Speaking at the flag-off of the 15-kilometre A2 to Pai road project in Kwali, Wike highlighted that improved connectivity would not only enhance access to essential services but also discourage rural-urban migration.
He stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” aimed at fostering balanced development across the FCT. Wike noted that the project would significantly boost economic activities and improve living conditions for rural residents.
In a statement issued by Assistant Director of Press, Rabi Umar, the Minister urged local council chairmen to remain engaged in their communities to ensure that development efforts are sustained.
He emphasised that the lack of a reliable road had created a disconnect between the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway and the Pai community. He stated that the newly awarded A2 to Pai road project would significantly improve living conditions for local residents and enhance security in the area.
Wike announced that the project is expected to be completed by May next year and expressed confidence in the contractor’s ability to meet this deadline, assuring them of sufficient funding to ensure timely progress.
Recounting the events that led to the flag-off exercise, the Minister said:
“Some few months ago when we came here to flag off the Pai to Gomani road and on our way going to that place, I was asking questions, what happened here. Why is there no road? How do you get to that area? The people going to that area must pass through this place.
“And we did say that we will come and flag off this road so that as the contractor is working from Pai to Gomani, then this people will work from A2 to Pai. If you add the 15-kilometre to the almost 18-kilometre from Pai to Gomani, you are talking about over 30 kilometres.
“You can imagine what the people here will benefit. You are talking about insecurity. Why will you not have insecurity when there are no access roads?”
He acknowledged the synergy between the FCT Administration, Area Council Chairmen, and traditional rulers, saying it has brought about accelerated development of the FCT Area Councils. He also stressed the FCTA’s commitment to providing good governance in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Wike said:
“We believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda. What the President is doing through us is to connect the satellite towns to the main city so that you don’t have to say, let me go and stay in the city. By the time we provide water to the satellite towns and good roads, then you will have the positive impact of governance.
“I believe by the time we put solar light on this road, it will look like the city. Be assured that under Mr President’s tenure, every promise we have made, every project we have started, we will complete all of them. We are not going to abandon any project.”
While reiterating that all the projects undertaken by the FCT Administration were duly provided for in the FCT budget, Wike assured that every aspect of the projects would be fully implemented and thanked the National Assembly for their continued support of the FCTA.
Giving an overview of the A2 to Pai road project, the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said it would include all the facilities of a well-designed road, including streetlights and drainage systems. He added that its completion would enhance smooth and free access from the A2 to Pai and down to Gomani communities.
In his remarks, the MD of Zeberced Group Ltd, contractors handling the project, Aiden Adil Kurt, committed to the timely delivery of the road project while assuring that the highest quality and standards would be adhered to. He thanked the FCT Minister for the confidence reposed in his company and pledged to involve members of the community during the course of the road construction.
On his part, the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, thanked the FCT Minister for providing infrastructure across the FCT Area Councils.
The traditional ruler, Etsu Kwali, HRH Luka Ayedo Nizasaan, while making his remarks, presented a symbolic letter of indigene of Kwali to the FCT Minister. He said it signifies the adoption of the Minister as a son of Kwali, with the name “Shagasa,” meaning “Heavens share opportunities,” in appreciation of the Minister’s developmental efforts in the Area Council.