Dear residents of the FCT,



1. On this auspicious occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to you all especially the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of Eid–el–Kabir.



2. Eid-el-Kabir, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to Allah (SWT). It is a time for us to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice, selflessness, and devotion.



3. It also teaches us the importance of caring for one another and sharing our blessings, especially with those less fortunate. As we celebrate, let us embody these values by showing compassion, generosity, and support to our neighbors and the wider community. In these challenging times, let us unite and look out for one another, fostering a spirit of solidarity and kindness.



4. We must remember that the FCT was founded on similar principles of unity and the imperativeness of peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians sharing a common destiny.



5. I also call upon the Muslim faithful to use this period to offer prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria for peace, stability, and prosperity. Kindly also, remember our President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to steer our nation towards a brighter future.



6. Your prayers and support are crucial in achieving these goals and ensuring that our leaders are guided by wisdom and integrity.



7. As the FCT Administration, we remain committed to the development of our nation's capital. We are dedicated to providing the necessary infrastructure that will enhance the quality of life for all residents. Our continuous efforts in building roads, schools, hospitals, and other essential services demonstrate our commitment to making the FCT a model for progress and development.


8. The FCT Administration is making significant strides in improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting economic opportunities in the FCT. We remain committed to sustaining these efforts and exploring new initiatives that benefit our residents.



9. I also call for the cooperation of all residents of the FCT and enjoin you all to support all government policies designed to not only uplift the wellbeing of all residents but also ensure that Abuja, our beloved capital city remains the pride of our nation.



10. As we celebrate let us not forget to be security conscious and obey all extant rules and regulations, especially traffic and sanitation laws



11. Let us renew our dedication to the principles of Eid-el-Kabir and may our sacrifices be accepted, and may we be rewarded with peace, joy, and prosperity.



12. Once again, I wish you all a blessed and joyous Eid-el-Kabir.



Eid Mubarak!



CHIEF (BARRISTER EZENWO NYESOM WIKE CON, GSSRS

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN RENEWAL, IS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR VISION FOR A MORE PROSPEROUS AND CONNECTED NIGERIA- TINUBU


1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that infrastructure development and Urban Renewal is the cornerstone of the vision of his administration for a more prosperous and connected Nigeria



2. The President who stated this on Thursday, June 6, 2024 when he commissioned the seventh FCT project as part of activities marking his one year in office, said the commissioning of Roads B6, B12, and Circle Road in the Central Area of the FCT was a significant milestone in his administration's commitment towards achieving the vision.



3. The President, who was represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said the roads being commissioned were paving the way for enhanced economic activities, improved accessibility, and a higher quality of life for residents







4. He said: “When we assumed office one year ago, we set forth an ambitious agenda to transform our nation's infrastructure landscape. We recognized that efficient transportation networks are vital for economic growth, social integration, and overall national development.



5. “Today, as we unveil these strategic roads, we are not just opening pathways of asphalt and concrete but also paving the way for enhanced economic activities, improved accessibility, and a higher quality of life for our citizens”.





6. The President said the completion of the Roads was a testament to what can be achieved through dedicated planning, unwavering commitment, and collaborative efforts, adding that the roads were designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and provide a more seamless connection between key areas within the nation’s capital.



7. “They represent a crucial step forward in our broader objective to create a robust and efficient transportation network across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond”, he added.





8. He commended the FCT Minister and his team for the hard work they have put in achieving what they did in record time, adding that in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, the Administration will continue to build essential infrastructure for the people.



9. The President said, “I would like to commend the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, his team at the FCTA and all the stakeholders involved in these projects that we have commissioned for the past seven days. Your hard work, dedication and adherence to high standard quality have made these achievements possible.





10.“As we celebrate this achievement, let us also recognize that our work is far from complete. As a testament to our Renewed Hope Agenda, we remain committed to continuing this journey of building more roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure that will connect our people, drive our economy”.



11.Speaking in his capacity as the Senate President, Senator Akpabio congratulated both the FCT Minister and Minister of State for the good work they are doing in the FCT, stressing that the FCT Minister has not disappointed the nation.





12.He added that the great changes in the streets of Abuja were clear indications that Wike is working, which also means that President Tinubu is working.



13.In his address, the FCT Minister who thanked the President for honouring his invitation to commission projects completed by the FCT Administration within one year, also tasked him to honour the last two in the first series of projects commissioning, scheduled to take place on 7th and 8th of June at the official residence of the Vice President and Guzape district lot II, respectively.





14.Barr. Wike explained that the contract for the road being commissioned was awarded in 2007 at the sum of N48.5Billion and revised in 2021 to N98.8Billion but was never completed until now, a feat which he attributed to the leadership direction of President Tinubu.



15.“Mr. President, it may interest you to know that the contract for this road was awarded in 2007. When you talk about renewed hope, a road that was awarded in 2007, just one year of the administration of Mr. President, the road has been completed.



16.“For those who know mathematics, 2007, that’s how many years?... 17 good years. Today Mr. President has been able to complete it in just one year. This is called leadership. Leadership is key. With the right leadership, you will get the right result. Because we have the right leadership, we are getting the right results”.





17.He said, following the President’s matching orders in August 2024 when he and the Minister of state, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud were sworn-in as Ministers, that all abandoned projects must be completed before embarking on new projects, the FCT Administration has done just that, resulting in the setting aside of 58 per cent of the FCT 2024 budget for the completion of old projects.



18.The Minister used the opportunity to debunk some media report making the rounds that he had made Permanent Secretaries in the FCTA to bow before the President at an event, saying that asking the first set of Permanent Secretaries of the FCTA upon the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission act was a mark of honour and appreciation for those who have had their hopes revived.





19.He said, “Two days ago when the President came and we try to thank him for what he did in making sure that those who had already lost hope in their career progression and Mr. President brought back hope to them by making sure they get to the peak of their career.



20.“Before now FCTA do not have Permanent Secretaries. But with Mr. President way of Renewed Hope, he said they must get to the peak of their career by getting to the position of Permanent Secretary and Head of the Civil Service if possible and Mr. President granted that, and then I called out the Permanent Secretaries who are the beneficiaries to come out and take a bow and thank Mr. President.



21.“It is an honour to be called out to take a bow but some human beings can never see anything good, criticizing, saying how will you call people who are Permanent Secretaries and ask them to take a bow.





22.“In my place, when someone does not have anything good to say about you, they will say ‘look at him’. Instead of you to commend Mr. President for doing well, for giving hope to those that didn’t have hope before”.



23.To press home his point, the Minister thereafter called out the six Area Council Chairmen, who he described as change agents of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, to also take a bow before the President.





24.In her remarks the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud commended the President and the leadership of the National Assembly for their support for the FCTA, adding that the leadership and support of Mr. President had played a crucial role in the successes being celebrated.

25.She thanked residents and business for their patient and cooperation while work on the project lasted.



26.In his overview of the project, Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed the B6, B12 and Circle roads being commissioned has 41 bridges, including rail crossings and significantly reduce inbound traffic gridlock at the city gate.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

06/06/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/550



Photo captions

1.Senate President. Godswill Akpabio, flanked by FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike (4th left), Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud (2nd left) APC Natipnal Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje (3rd right) and other dignitaries at the commissioning of the Roads B6, B12 and Circle Road in Abuja on Thursday.

2. L-R Executive Secretary. FCDA. Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed. FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and FCT Minister of State. Dr Mariya Mahmoud at the commissioning of the B6, B12 and Circle Road in Abuja on Thursday.

3. FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike delivering his address at the commissioning of the B6, B12 and CIRCLE Roads in Abuja on Thursday.

1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 commissioned the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) and praised the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for his concerted efforts towards the infrastructural development of the nation’s capital.

2. Represented by Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the President said the commissioning of the road, which spanned from the Outer Southern Expressway to the Southern Parkway was not just a celebration of the completion of another project, but a testament to his Administration’s commitment to progress and prosperity.

3. He said: “One year ago, I stood before the nation and pledged to prioritize the transformation of our infrastructure networks, recognizing them as the arteries through which our economy thrives and our people connect. Today, as we mark the completion of yet another project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under my administration, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and hard work of all those involved in making this vision a reality.

4. “The extension of the ISEX represents more than just a road; it symbolizes connectivity, accessibility, and opportunity. It signifies our unwavering determination to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that development is not confined to city centers but reaches every corner of our great nation”.

5. President Tinubu also looked forward to the commissioning of more projects that have direct bearing on the residents of the FCT and visitors alike.

6. He said, “Let us not forget that this is just one of many projects that we have completed across the FCT. There are still many more strategic projects in the pipeline, each designed to address the evolving needs of our growing federal capital; from upgrading existing infrastructure to initiating new projects, we are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and prosperous future”.

7. Describing the Minister as a Gadfly, the President, reiterated that Barr Wike is a force of nature and cannot be ignored.

8. He said, “As I said the last time, Wike is a force of human nature. Love him, hate him but you cannot ignore him because at every point in time, he is striving to redefine the meaning and concept of leadership.

9. “Wike is one of the best appointments ever made in the history of any democratic dispensation in this country… there were loud protest when his name was initially mentioned but I believe, all my brothers and sisters who opposed his appointment are now hailing him. He is an exemplary leader, worthy of emulation by us all. He is a Gadfly”.

10. He added that, “In the coming months and years, we will continue to prioritize infrastructural development as a cornerstone of our Renewed Hope Agenda. We remain committed to delivering on our promises, empowering our people, and building a nation that we can all be proud of”.

11. In his address, the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike while commending the President for his support for the FCT Administration and the successful completion of the projects being commissioned, also noted that projects such as the first phases of the rehabilitation of the National Assembly and the Federal secretariat complexes, awarded by the last administration, were among the projects also completed but not slated for commissioning while the second phase of rehabilitation of the National Assembly complex has been awarded by the present administration with the support of Mr President.

12. Barr Wike also noted that the FCT Administration, with the support of the President embarked on the rehabilitation of major roads in the districts across the FCT which were hitherto in deplorable conditions, now giving the areas a new look.

13. The Minister said, “It is important to let you know. But we don’t believe that we should be going to inaugurate such projects. But for record purposes, it was as we came on board that the streets are wearing a new look”.

14. He explained that the contract for the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to the Southern Parkway (S8/S9) was awarded in 2010 at 17Billion but reviewed to 18Billion in 2023, adding that the contractor was not owed a dime as the project has been fully paid for.

15. Barr. Wike said, “We thank the Almighty God. And the contractor can attest to the fact that we are not owing him a dime as far as this project is concerned. It is fully paid. And it is because of your directive that all ongoing projects, in line with the renewed hope agenda, must be completed and we are happy that the residents of Abuja can see the new look of the FCT”.

16. He assured that the second phase of the project, also awarded by the last administration will be completed, adding that the completion of the project will change the landscape of Abuja.

17. “Mr. President, I can tell you that that project is key to changing Abuja's landscape. I can tell you that when that project is completed, which has not less than ten bridges. I can assure you that by the grace of God we are going to complete that project”, he stressed.

18. The Minister thanked the President for making him and the Minister of State a part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the President’s support is not taken for granted while also urging the President to be present at the remaining three key projects to be commissioned over the next three days.

19. In her remarks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud while commending the President and members of the National Assembly for their continued support for the FCT Administration, said the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to the Southern Parkway (S8/S9) would enhance connectivity, save man hour on the road and improve the quality of life of residents of the FCT.

20. Giving an overview of the project, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed said the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to the Southern Parkway (S8/S9) is providing rapid east-to-west movement on the southern flank of the city and linking motorists to the Abuja/Keffi road.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

05/06/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/549



PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike in a close conversation with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima at the commissioning ceremony of the Inner Southern Expressway in Abuja on Wednesday

2. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike reading his address during the commissioning ceremony of the Inner Southern Expressway in Abuja on Wednesday

3 L-R: APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud during the commissioning of the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway, in Abuja on Wednesday.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, 4th June commissioned the Arterial Road N20 in Abuja and named it the Wole Soyinka Way.

In his address President Tinubu said his heart was filled with joy and pride and commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike and his team for their hard work and dedication to the development of the nation's capital.

The President also stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure to sustain the growth of the FCT and said the FCT Minister and his team were doing a great job in increasing the value of the FCT.

While describing Wike as an inspiration to many, the President commended him for proposing to name the road after Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka who is also an inspiration to many across the world.

...AS HE COMMISSIONS OUTER SOUTHERN EXPRESSWAY

1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, June 3, 2024 commissioned the full-scope development of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road 1 junction Abuja.



2. The commissioning exercise which was held at the OSEX also known as the Mahamadou Issoufou Way; a boundary road defining the southern flank of the Abuja capital city, is the 4th in a row of infrastructure projects executed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and commissioned by President Tinubu to commemorate his one year in office.



3. In his address at the commissioning exercise, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed delight at the opportunity to once again commission another infrastructure project in the FCT completed by the FCT Administration.



4. The President who paid glowing tribute to the FCT Minister for his dedication to the development of the FCT, also reemphasized the commitment of the government to the growth and economic development of the country through the provision of infrastructure to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians.



5. Highlighting the importance of the project, President Tinubu said the expansion of the Outer Southern Expressway will not only improve the road traffic condition and transportation in the FCT but will also stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for business



6. The President also commended the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nnyesom Wike and his remarkable team in the FCT for their visionary leadership and tireless dedication to the development of the capital city.



7. President Tinubu who described Barr. Wike as a force of nature, said the FCT Minister is redefining the meaning and concept of modern leadership in Nigeria.



8. He said, “Under Wike’s leadership, we have witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure development, urban planning and sustainable growth in the nation’s capital.



9. “Under Wike, we have proved to the world that what counts is leadership and what this nation needs is quality leadership”.



10. President Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of other stakeholders to the completion of the project and commended them for their efforts.



11. In his speech, the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike thanked President Tinubu for his presence at the project commissioning activities in the FCT and for his support to the FCT Administration.



12. He reiterated that the completion of the project is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and emphasized the commitment of the FCT Administration to providing both physical and social infrastructure to improve the quality of lives of FCT residents



13. Barrister Wike also attributed the successes in project delivery in the FCT to the exit of the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account and the robust cooperation and support of the leadership of the National Assembly as well as other stakeholders, adding that contractors’ confidence has now been restored in the FCT.



14. The Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, in her remarks, also thanked the President, the Vice President and the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their support to the FCT Administration.



15. Giving an overview and background of the Outer Southern Expressway, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said it is one of the boundary roads defining the city on the southern flank



16. He said the OSEX, on full development is a 67 kilometer stretch of road commencing at the Villa Roundabout and traversing through Wassa District and the Kuje Area Council down to the intersection of Abuja-Lokoja Highway or the Federal Highway 02 in Gwagwalada.



17. He said the OSEX is a 10-lane expressway with two main carriageways of six lanes and two service carriageways of 4 lanes.



18. Engr. Ahmad said the development of the OSEX is being done in phases, adding that the section of the road that was being commissioned is the stretch from the Villa roundabout or the popular Power House Junction to the Ring Road 1 Junction also known as the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway. He said the completed portion will bring relief to the Abuja/Nyanya/Keffi bound traffic and the traffic gridlock experienced at the Power House junction.



19. Another unique feature of the OSEX, according to the ES, was that it intersects five roads named after past presidents of Nigeria, including the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway, the Yakubu Gowon Way, Shehu Shagari Way, Muhammadu Buhari Way and Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway.



20. The Executive Secretary who also disclosed that the OSEX is adjoined by two major prime Districts of Asokoro and Guzape said the FCT Administration has also devoted efforts to the rehabilitation of the roads in Asokoro District and the delivery of the Guzape Engineering Infrastructure.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)




Photo:
L-R: FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike, Vice President Kashom Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass at the commissioning of the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja

…COMMENDS WIKE FOR COMMITMENT TO THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA

…DECLARES FREE RIDE ON THE TRAIN TILL YEAR-END



1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today, May 29, 2024, officially flagged off the commercial operations of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system, also known as the Abuja Light Rail as part of the Administration’s first anniversary.



2. President Tinubu, during the inauguration exercise, emphasized the significance of the achievement, saying that it was a major step towards progress in the country, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.



3. He expressed joy at the successful rehabilitation and launch of the commercial operation of Abuja light rail, aimed at establishing a fully functional and efficient public rail transportation infrastructure for the benefit of the people, saying that it signifies his administration's commitment to fulfilling its pledges.



4. President Tinubu also described the Abuja light rail as a symbol of progress, connectivity, and inclusivity, emphasizing that it represents his administration's commitment to modernizing public transportation infrastructure, easing traffic congestion, and improving accessibility for all FCT residents and visitors.



5. The President recalled that he had earlier expressed the desire to ride on the metro line and thanked the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and his team for ensuring the timely completion of the project.



6. President Tinubu who thereafter announced that there will be no charge for riding the Abuja light rail until the end of the year, also acknowledged the track record of the FCT Minister as well as the accomplishments of the FCT Administration, saying it is a demonstration of serious commitment to value. He said the FCT Minister is truly serving the nation, in line with the ideas of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the new national anthem.



7. The President said, “The commencement of this project is a dream come true for all of us. I am not surprised, given the track record of the Minister. The FCT Administration's accomplishments demonstrate a serious commitment to value, the chapter that we ought to embrace in this country. Mr. Project, I say thank you very much to you and your team.



8. “In keeping with the Renewed Hope Agenda ideals, you have demonstrated unusual capacity with your team. Thank you very much once again. The huge investment that you put into this project is there for the people to remember.



9. “I heard you declared free ride for two months, while, I am declaring free ride till the end of the year”.



10. During his speech, the FCT Minister recalled that President Tinubu had instructed the Administration to prioritize making the Abuja light rail operational for the benefit of the residents.



11. He noted that the contract for rehabilitating the Abuja light rail was awarded in 2018 at a cost of $30 million, which remained unpaid when he assumed office. The Minister also disclosed that the 10 train stations lacked access roads and car parks, which hindered the effective operation of the Abuja light rail project.



12. Barr. Wike however expressed joy that the FCT Administration, along with the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Ministry of Finance, and the Accountant General of the Federation, successfully facilitated the payment of the contract sum to the contractor which ensured the completion of the rehabilitation exercise.



13. He added that the access roads to the various train stations and car parks were also constructed at the cost N21.4 billion and that the directive of the President to make the train operational for residents was actualized within a period of nine months.



14. He said, “As I speak to you today, all those roads to the various train stations are completed with car parks for people to use to the various train stations.



15. The Minister also disclosed that the FCT Administration was able to renegotiate the training cost for personnel from $128 million to $75 million, thereby saving about $50 million for the Federal Government.



16. While making clarification on what was being inaugurated, the Minister stressed that it was the commercial operation of the Abuja light rail and not the train stations and that the rehabilitation of the Abuja light rail was a promise made and fulfilled in the FCT, adding that the FCT Administration has rekindled the hope of the people with its accomplishments.



17. He said, “For me, today is the happiest day. We are talking about the Renewed Hope Agenda. What is the Renewed hope agenda? Giving back hope to the people. That’s what it is. So, it is a reality. What you are seeing today is a reality. People will now be happy that I can come to the city and go back. Those who want to watch a football match will take the train to the next train station, walk down to Moshood Abiola Stadium, see the match, go back to the train station, and go back to their house”.



18. In his remarks, the Mandate Secretary, FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Chinedum Elechi, said the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System has 12 diesel multiple units each with a capacity to accommodate a minimum of 700 passengers. He said each train is designed to run at least 14 trips per day, meaning that one train can transport approximately 9,800 passengers daily.



19. And in her remarks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud thanked President Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shetima as well as other members of Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly for their invaluable support to the FCT Administration.



20. The Minister also thanked the entire team involved in the planning, design and construction and now operation of the Abuja light rail, saying the commencement of commercial operation of the rail service has showcased the power of collaboration and determination in bringing about positive change.



21. The President along with distinguished guest that included the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives the CJN and the SGF amongst other guests took a train ride to the Airport station where the President unveiled a plaque signifying the commencement of commercial operations of the Abuja Light Rail

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

29/05/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/545





PHOTO CAPTION


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (5th right) Vice President Kashim Shetimma (3rd right), Senate President Godswill Akpabio (5th right, FCT Minister Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (6th right) , Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud (4th left) amongst other top government functionaries during the flag off of commencement of commercial operations of the Abuja Light Rail at the Airport Station, Abuja on Wednesday

2. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu read ing his speech during the flag-off of the commencement of commercial operations of the Abuja Light Rail on Wednesday.

3 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu making his way into the train carriage following his flag off of commercial operations of the Abuja Light Rail on Wednesday,

…AS SOUTHERN PARKWAY IS RENAMED "BOLA AHMED TINUBU WAY"

1. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for his visionary and inspiring leadership in the FCT.



2. The President gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja while commissioning the Southern Parkway road project which was renamed as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, by the FCT Administration.



3. The President, who described the FCT Minister as a team leader, said the revolutionary changes he has made in the FCT, both in structure and administration is yielding positive results and elevating the lives of many Nigerians.



4. He therefore thanked the Minister for his sincere commitment to shared values and for giving hope to Nigerians.



5. The President said, “Thank you for giving us this hope and for your sincere commitment to shared values. Well done. As a team leader, you worked so hard, and tirelessly. I must recognize your vision that is revolutionary and very inspiring to many of our people”.



6. “The changes you made in the FCT, structure and administration are yielding results and elevating the hearts of many Nigerians. Thank you very much”.



7. Speaking further, the President also commended the FCT Minister for ensuring the completion of the Southern Parkway which he described as a transformative project that connects vital areas within the FCT.



8. He said the completion of the Southern Parkway symbolizes the collective aspiration for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility, and progress.



9. President Tinubu added that the road project will not only ease traffic congestion but also enhance mobility for the residents and visitors to the FCT and thanked the FCT Minister for naming the Southern Parkway after him.



10.In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Barrister Wike disclosed that the Southern Parkway contract was awarded in 2010 to Messrs Setraco Ltd at the contract sum of 16.2 billion and was later revised to 35.7 billion due to changes in scope and other economic indices.



11.Barr. Wike added that the Southern Parkway, which stretches from the Christian Centre to Ring Road 1, is made of two main carriageways of 4 lanes each and two service carriageways of two lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes, in addition to other associated underground engineering infrastructure facilities.



12.He said the successful completion of the Southern Parkway, which had lingered for several years, will provide access and connectivity to the southern flank of the city as outlined in the Abuja master plan.



13.He added the completion of the project will also complement the developed portions of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the Southern Districts of Garki, Gudu and Durumi and bring improved socioeconomic benefits to FCT residents and other Nigerians.



14.Barr. Wike, who also stated that the current FCT Administration, on assumption of office, was confronted with many uncompleted projects, which have now been completed in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, thanked the President for his unflinching support.



15.Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud thanked the President, members of the National Assembly and FCT residents, including religious and traditional rulers for their invaluable support to the FCT Administration.



16.Dr Mahmoud also expressed appreciation to the FCT Minister and other officials of the FCT Administration whose dedication and hard work ensured the successful completion of projects in the FCT,



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE FCT MINISTER)

28/05/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/544


PHOTO CAPTION

1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike reading his address at the commissioning ceremony of the Southern Parkway, Abuja.

2 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu making his remarks at the commissioning of the Southern Parkway, Abuja

3 FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the commissioning of the Southern Parkway in Abuja on Monday

…SAYS FCT HAS PRIORITIZED SECURITY AND COMPLETION OF ONGOING PROJECTS

… REVEALS PLANS TO CONSTRUCT 10,000 COMFORTABLE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Wednesday, May 23, 2024, presented the scorecard of the FCT Administration, as part of activities to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu one year in office.



2. The FCT Minister made the presentation during the Ministerial Sectoral Update organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to brief members of the public on the activities of the Federal Government.





3. Barrister Wike who spoke amidst intermittent cheers and applause from the audience, disclosed that the FCT Administration has recorded huge developmental strides in several sectors of its economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and ultimately declared that hope has been restored in the FCT.



4. The FCT Minister explained that the current FCT Administration was assigned with presidential priorities 5 and 6 under nine high impact deliverables of the Federal Government.





5. He said presidential deliverables entailed the provision of critical infrastructure in the FCT, provision of a safe and secure environment in addition to also improving access to social services to FCT residents and creating wealth and maintaining a first-class city.



6. Barr. Wike who also stated that he met a workforce with low morale due to stagnation and inability of staff to progress to the pinnacle of their careers as well as a plethora of uncompleted projects that were stalled due to funding challenges, said the FCT Administration through pragmatic efforts and implementation of well thought out policies has made huge gains.

7. He said the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, as approved by the National Assembly in 2018 and assented to by the previous administration, has ensured that staff of the FCT Administration could now rise to the position of Permanent Secretary and even head the FCT Civil Service.



8. The Minister also added that the exit of the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) with the approval of the President, has also solved one of the problems militating against infrastructural growth in the FCT as the FCTA could now source funds from the wider financial market for the execution of projects, using its IGR as collateral.





9. He said, “Mr. President approved that we should pull out from the TSA and today, we are no longer under TSA. It has helped us to do certain things which people think that it’s a miracle. It’s not a miracle”.



10.The Minister also disclosed that the FCT Administration has ensured inclusivity in governance with the establishment of the Women Affairs Secretariat, headed by a Mandate Secretary to take care of the affairs of women in the FCT.





11.On security, Barr. Wike also disclosed that the FCTA has been able to improve the security situation compared to what obtained in the past. He said the Administration provided the security agencies with the necessary logistics to effectively carry out their assignments of maintaining security.



12.He said, based on the recommendation by the stakeholders in the Area Councils, the FCT Administration is also constructing about 120 kilometers of road networks in the rural areas as part of efforts to address insecurity and improve the wellbeing of the rural populace.





13.By implementing these policies, the Minister stated that the FCT Administration has brought government closer to the people.



14.He said, “This is the first time that a Minister has gone to the Area Councils to sit down with the people and talk to them and let them know what government is doing.”

15.Barrister Wike who also stated that no city in the world could be completely free of crime, however assured that the government is doing everything possible to reduce insecurity in the FCT.



16.On efforts to improve transportation in the FCT and address the crime of one chance, the Minister also disclosed plans to construct three bus terminals for designated routes in the FCT.





17.He said, “By the grace of God, in the next eight months, this city will have three bus and taxi terminals and you must operate from those terminals.”



18.Speaking further on the provision of infrastructure, the Minister said the FCT has prioritized the completion of ongoing projects adding that completed road projects would be commissioned between the 29th of May and 6th of June, 2024, to celebrate the one year in office of President Tinubu.





19.He said the Administration also embarked on the rehabilitation of roads that were in bad shape in the major Districts of the FCT like Asokoro, Maitama and Garki, in addition to the completion of the construction of the official residence of the Vice President, as well the National Assembly complex and the phase 1 of the Federal Secretariat complex, which were started by the previous administration.



20.On the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Scheme also known as the Abuja Light Rail, the Minister clarified that the FCT was inaugurating the commencement of commercial operation and not commissioning of the project.





21.The Minister however disclosed that the FCTA, under the one-year period, constructed the access roads to the train stations as well as renegotiated the training cost for personnel for the Abuja Light Rail, from the $128 million to $75 million, thereby saving government $53 million.



22.He promised that train rides in the FCT, after the inauguration of commercial operation by Mr. President, would be free for the first two months of operation.





23.Fielding questions from journalists on how he achieved the accelerated provision of infrastructure in the FCT which has been described as a miracle by many observes, the Minister said the FCT has been able to restore the confidence of contractors due to improved funding.



24.Speaking on efforts to sustain the developmental trajectory in the FCT and ensure that the gains made are not eroded by the threats of vandalism, the Minister disclosed that the FCT Administration, among other measures, has redesigned the gullet inlet covers using composite materials to improve security and make them less susceptible to theft.





25.He added that the FCTA has also approached the National Assembly to amend the laws on the vandalism of public infrastructure to introduce stiffer sanctions that will serve as deterrence.



26.To discourage touting in the FCT and tackle the issue of double taxation, the Minister also stated that efforts were ongoing to harmonize revenue collection activities in order to eliminate duplicity of functions.





27.On his plans for the less privileged members of the society, Barr. Wike also revealed plans to construct 10,000 units of comfortable and affordable housing for low income earners in the FCT. He said the FCTA will provide infrastructure as well as build the houses and allocate to members of the public, under a proposed housing project, to be known as the Renewed Hope City.



28.The Minister who also stated that President Tinubu has identified with the indigenous people of the FCT by making an FCT indigene a member of his cabinet, urged FCT residents to be patient with the development efforts of the government, stressing that the task of development could not be achieved overnight.





29. He however warned that those who continue to distort the Abuja masterplan, despite repeated warnings by the government, would face severe sanctions by the law, stressing that the FCTA has the political will to do what is right.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

23/05/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/542


PHOTO CAPTION




1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike making his presentation at the Ministerial sectorial update to mark the first year in office of the current administration in Abuja on Thursday

2. L-R: Hon Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alh. Mohammed Idris, FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and FCT Minister of State Dr Mariya Mahmoud during the Ministerial sectorial update marking the first year anniversary of the current administration on Thursday

...EXPRESSES SATISFACTION WITH WORK QUALITY



1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Monday, May 20, 2024, inspected the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system, ahead of the flag-off of its commercial operations by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as part of the first-anniversary celebration of the Federal Government.



2. The FCT Minister’s inspection visit commenced at the Abuja Metro Station in the Central Business District where he inspected facilities, then rode on the train, making stops at the Stadium, Idu, and the Airport stations along the route.



3. The Minister who expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and the facilities at the train stations, said the project was ready to be inaugurated for commercial operation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the promise made by the President has become a reality.



4. According to the FCT Minister, “In a few days, the President will inaugurate the commercial operation of this Metro line. We have to thank God Almighty that we are good to go. We are ready and you can see the facilities. So, we are very happy and we thank God the promise Mr. President made has been kept”.



5. The FCT Minister further disclosed that the access roads to the train stations were also completed, adding that residents from the various communities would be able to drive to any of the train stations and board the train to their destination.



6.

7. He however stated that some of the facilities that were omitted during the design of the project, including escalators and elevators for the sick and elderly as well as air-cooling systems, especially, in the waiting areas, would also be taken into consideration and corrected in due course, while assuring that the omission would not hinder operations.



8. He said, “We have been able to identify one or two things that were omitted during the design and we believe that during the operation, some of those things will be taken into consideration.



9. “Particularly, I believe that as a standard metro line, where the passengers will be waiting to board the trains, there should be air conditioners.



10. “I also thought that some of the stations should have had escalators and elevators for probably those who are very old and those who may not have the strength to walk or to climb the staircases.



11. “Apart from that, I think we are happy with the work that has been done and we believe Nigerians will be happy, particularly the residents of the FCT”.



12. Barrister Wike who attributed the achievements by the FCT Administration to the support of President Bola Tinubu also thanked the President for giving him the necessary support.



13. He said, “Assuming we are not getting his support, this wouldn’t have been a reality. So, we want to thank him for the support”.



14. Speaking further on the funding details for the project, Barrister Wike also disclosed that the FCT Administration was able to renegotiate the training cost for personnel from $128 million to $75 million, thereby saving about 53 Million Dollars for the Federal Government.



15. He said “Before we came, the former Administration approved $128 million for the training of our people by CCECC for 29 months and we said no that’s very exorbitant. We renegotiated with CCECC and now it has been brought down to 75 million dollars. We have saved no less than $53 million US Dollars for the government.



16. The Abuja Rail Mass Transit scheme consists of eight stations, the Abuja Metro, Stadium, Kukwaba I, Kukwaba II, Wupa, Idu, Basanjiwa and Airport stations.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

20/05/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/540


PHOTO CAPTIONS



1, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike stepping out of an Abuja Metro train coach during his tour of facilities of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system in Abuja on Monday

2 . FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (left) with the Secretary for Transportation Hon Chinedu Elechi (right) at the Abuja Metro station during minister's tour of facilities at the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system on Monday.

…REITERATES THAT HE IS NOT DISTRACTED

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 9-day timeline, tagged FCT Week, for the inauguration of completed projects in the FCT.



2. The FCT Minister who made the revelation on Friday, May 17th, 2024, when he carried out the final inspection of some of the ongoing projects that are scheduled for commissioning in the FCT, said the FCT Week will commence on the 27th of May with the inauguration of commercial operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit.



3. Other projects to be inaugurated by the President during the FCT Week, which were inspected by the FCT Minister, include the official residence of the Vice President, the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from the Villa Roundabout to the Ring Road 1 with four number of interchanges as well as the B6 and B12 Circle Road.



4. Barrister Wike expressed satisfaction with the level of completion of the projects and commended the contractors for keeping their promise of completing the projects within schedule.



5. He added that the FCT Administration has also kept to its side of the bargain by providing adequate project funding and assured that the FCT is ready to commission the projects.



6. Barrister Wike said, “By the approval of Mr. President, we believe that from the 27th of this month, we shall start the inauguration of the various projects.



7. “Particularly on the 27th, we believe the President will flag off the commercial operation of the Abuja Metro line. We believe on Monday, we will do the final inspection of that. From what we have seen, I think we are good to go”.



8. Barrister Wike also reiterated that he was focused on his work as the Minister of the FCT and was not distracted by the political situation in Rivers State.



9. He said, “I am not distracted. If I am distracted, you won’t see this performance here. I am focused on my work, so I’m not distracted. I’m Minister of the FCT and work is going on. I don’t even think about it at all".



10. Speaking on streetlights in the FCT where he noted the concern of residents, Barrister Wike stated that streetlights were currently being test run in the areas where projects were ongoing and assured that they would become functional as soon as the projects are completed.



11. He said, “As I speak to you, they are working on it. And you also know that most of the projects we are doing, you don’t expect the lights to be on now. So, sometimes, most of the streets you are talking about are those that are being worked on. We believe that before the commissioning, you will see most of the lights will be on”.





ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

17/05/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/539




PHOTO CAPTIONS


1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (2nd left) listening to the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr Sehu Hadi Ahmed (4th left) during his tour of projects in preparation for commissioning beginning on May 27th.

2.FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike stressing a point during his tour of the Vice President's official residence on Friday
Hide trimmed content

…Tells them to follow due process in seeking redress

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike today, Thursday, May 09, 2024, chided protesting Apo Mechanic traders who barricaded the entrance to the FCTA secretariat complex disrupting the free flow of traffic along the Kapital Street and environs of the secretariat.



2. Addressing the protesting traders at the entrance of the secretariat complex as his convoy stopped in the crowd, the Minister told them to do the right thing by following proper procedure to seek redress for any perceived grievance.



3. The Minister warned the protesters against resorting to such actions to resolve issues, adding that he will not be intimidated. He said it was wrong for the traders to barricade the entrance to his office and a major street in their attempt to draw attention to their complaints.



4. He however assured that he was ready to dialogue with them to solve their problem. He said: “It is wrong to barricade the road without informing me of anything. You never wrote to me that you wanted to see me and I refused to see you. And then what you did is to wake up in the morning to barricade the road, barricade the gate, and then you said you are supporting me. I don’t need that support.



5. “And what I don’t like is intimidation. If you have a problem, channel your problem to me and if I don’t solve it, then you can take another step”.





6. Speaking to the leaders of the group, The Minister said: “What you should do, tell your people to go, then write to me that you want to see me, then we sit down and talk. But I will not talk to you based on these things you are doing here. I’m not one of those that anybody will come and intimidate. You should know me very well.



7. “What I don’t like is for anybody to say go there and barricade the place. I don’t like that. I see this as being sponsored, people coming to tarnish the image of the government.



8. “We can sit and dialogue. If the government has made a promise that they will give you land, I will look at the papers and I will ask questions, why was this land not given if it was approved”.



9. Speaking earlier, Chairman, Apo Traders Association, Mr. Chimez Ife commended the Minister for the pace of development in the FCT within the short time he assumed duty as Minister.



10.He appealed to the Minister however to look into their land lease agreement issue with the view to finding a lasting solution for all concerned as well as aid them to move to a permanent site.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

FCTA/ODP/PR/535

09/05/2024







PHOTO CAPTION

1. FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Wike addressing protesting members of the Apo Traders Association at the FCTA, Abuja, on Thursday

2. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (left) listens as the Chairman of the protesting Apo Traders Association, Mr Chimez Ife makes his remarks in Abuja on Thursday

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that the FCT Administration is open to partnership with the Republic of Hungary in the areas of agriculture and security.



2. The FCT Minister stated this in Abuja on Thursday, May 2, 2024 when he received a delegation from the Consulate General of Hungary, led by the Consul General, Mr. Endre P. Deri on a courtesy visit to the FCT Administration (FCTA).



3. Barrister Wike who was informed by the Consul General about the desire for partnership in the areas of security and agriculture, said agriculture and security were among the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and welcomed the request for partnership in the areas.



4. On security, the Minister said the FCT is safer now, having been able to address security challenges it faced in the recent past, but added that there is an ongoing process for the procurement of more security equipment for the security agencies which Hungary can key in.



5. According to the FCT Minister, “Security has been an issue but by the grace of God, we’ve been able to reduce the level of insecurity. You can attest to the fact that Abuja is safer now because of the way we have been able to tackle the issue.



6. “Luckily for us, it is part of our procurement process to have drones. Unfortunately, I’m not an expert. The security people who are in charge, I will let them have a discussion with your people so that they will identify the type of drones that will be effective and efficient in our own area and how we intend to use them, which areas we intend to use them. So, I will let them have a contact with your people. I can tell you that the issue of security for us is a priority, in terms of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.





7. The Minister who also acknowledged that Hungary was one of the countries that has excelled in the agricultural sector, said the FCT is ready to provide land for Hungarian agricultural experts that are willing to come and invest in food production so as to ensure food security in the FCT.





8. He said: “The issue of agriculture is very key. I know I have been to Budapest and I know that Hungary is one of the countries that is also focused on agriculture. Our own idea is we can collaborate and partner in terms of PPP. We are willing to provide land and then if you are willing to come over here to see what you can do so that it will become a symbiotic relationship. You benefit, we also benefit.



9. “We will not hesitate if we are able to reach those who are concerned so that we can set up the process and know what you intend to produce, a lot of varieties in order to see how we will solve the problem of food security in the FCT.



10.“So, those two issues are very germane to us and we will want to collaborate, cooperate with your people”.



11.Speaking earlier, the Consul General of Hungary, Mr. Endre P. Deri said he was on the visit to seek avenues for partnership in the areas of security and agriculture.



12.While commending the Minister for the unprecedented development in the FCT since he became Minister, Mr. Endre also thanked him for the assistance he rendered Hungary which facilitated the introduction of the Hungarian scholarship and studies programme, where about 1800 Nigerian students are now studying in Hungary.





13.Present during the visit were the FCTA General Counsel, Barr. Salman Dako, Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and PPP, Arch Ubokutom Nyah and the SSA on Legal, Multilateral Cooperation, Barr. Benedict Daudu and other officials from the Consulate General of Hungary.

Rabi Musa Umar

Assistant Director, Press

(Office of the Hon. Minister)

02/05/2024



FCTA/ODP/PR/535



PHOTO CAPTIONS


Hungarian Honourable Consul General, Mr Endre P. Deri and the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike during the former’s visit to the FCTA on Thursday



The FCT Minister, Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (5th L) flanked by the Hungarian Consul General, Mr. Endre P. Deri, on his right and the FCTA General Counsel, Barr. Salman Dako, on his left, in a group photograph with officials of the FCTA and the delegate from the Consulate General of Hungary when the delegate paid a visit to the FCTA on Thursday

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has expressed the desire of the FCT Administration for continued partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).



2. The FCT Minister said this in Abuja on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 when a delegation from JICA led by its Chief Representative in Nigeria, Mr Yuzurio Susumu paid him a courtesy visit in office.



3. Barrister Wike acknowledged the strong relationship between Nigeria and JICA, which he said has been mutually beneficial and commended the organization for sustaining its activities across the country.



4. He also commended JICA’s projects in the areas of education, agriculture, health, the provision of infrastructure in the country and expressed the desire for continued partnership in the FCT.



5. The FCT Minister said, “I’m aware of JICA’s activities in Nigeria when I was the Minister of Education. Your activities in education, your efforts to improve access to quality education. Let me commend you for sustaining it up till now and carrying it to the FCT.



6. “Your activities are quite wide and it spread across the country and we seriously commend you. You have been a serious organization and your relationship with Nigeria is quite solid”. So, we will continue to partner with you in the training of our teachers in areas we believe we require most. I know there was a time you really emphasized mathematics. I hope you can continue training our teachers in science and mathematics.



7. “Your activities in agriculture, particularly as it deals with nutrition is highly commendable and the training you’ve been having for our mothers for the sake of our children in making sure our children have nutritious food that will aid their health.



8. “So, we want to seriously commend you for most of your projects, particularly some water projects. We believe we can still sustain our relationship by making sure that we put more efforts to see that all the activities lined up are completed within the time frame and schedule”.



9. He however appealed to the organization to ensure the completion of ongoing projects in the FCT, and pledged the commitment of the FCT Administration to fulfill its part of the obligation to match the support of JICA.



10.Barr. Wike was particular about the review of the Abuja Master plan, a project for which the FCTA contacted JICA in 2018, and which was approved for implementation in 2019. While expressing the hope for its early completion, he said that the review of the master plan meant a lot for the continued development of the FCT.



11.The Minister said, “I have seen the activities which you carry out in the FCT, particularly when we approved in 2019, the review of the Abuja urban masterplan. We believe that we have to expedite action in order to concretize, by making sure that this is completed; at least by 2026, we should have completed this, if you put in more efforts to see that we achieve this which is of utmost importance to us as an administration.





12.He also directed the recommencement of the review and the signing of the technical agreement for it as soon as possible.



13.“We are happy that JICA is not one of those international organisations that come to make promises without fulfilling them. I have no doubt in your capacity and that you will continue to do more for us. So, this administration is willing to cooperate with you more in order to achieve more for our people”.



14.Earlier in his remark, Mr Yuzurio Susumu said that JICA has a longstanding relationship with Nigeria in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure and private sector development as well as social development, including education and health.



15.On the issue of the review of the Abuja Master Plan, Mr. Susumu said that talks were underway with the Tokyo Mission for the review of the master plan, explaining that the project was stalled at the advent of COVID 19 pandemic.



16.He said, “We were happy to get the project for review of the Abuja masterplan several years ago and it was approved by Japan’s government for implementation. Since then, we’ve been trying to start the project, but unfortunately, there have been unfortunate issues like COVID outbreak and bureaucracy and we couldn’t start up till this moment”.



17.Mr Susumu however expressed his delight at the Minister’s enthusiasm for advancing urban developing and the continuation of the review.

18 Also present at the event were the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, FCTA head of Service Dr Samuel Atang, mandate secretaries and senior officials of the FCTA and JICA

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

30/04/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/534






PHOTO CAPTION


.1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike welcomes the Japan International Cooperation Agency Chief Representative in Nigeria Mr Yuzurio Susumu to the FCTA on Tuesday

2. L-R: JICA Project Formulation Advisor, Mr Matsishitta Keisuke, JICA Chief Representative in Nigeria, Mr Yuzurio Susumu and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the visit of the JICA delegation to the FCTA on Tuesday.

3 L-R: JICA Project Formulation Advisor, Mr Hokamura Akita, Senior Programme Coordinator, Dr Umar Halilu, Project Formulation Advisor Mr Matsushita Keisuke,, Chief Representative in Nigeria, Yuzurio Susumu, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Chief of Staff, to the Minister, Hon Chidi Amadi, Head of Service, Dr Samuel Atang and General Counsel, Barrister Salman Dako during a visit of the JICA delegation to the FCTA on Tuesday.

WIKE SWEARS IN COORDINATOR SATELITE TOWN DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (STDD)

...CHARGES HIM TO BE COMMITTED TO HIS DUTIES

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, sworn into office the Coordinator, FCT Satellite Town Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu.

2. Speaking during the brief swearing-in ceremony which was conducted by the Chief Judge of the FCT, represented by Hon. Justice C. O Agashieze, the FCT Minister Congratulated the Coordinator STDD over his appointment, saying it was an opportunity to contribute to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president in the FCT.

3. He urged the Coordinator not to be carried away by the trappings of office but to rather remain committed to carrying out the assignment given to him by the President.

4. He said, “See it as Mr. President finds you worthy to contribute at this point in national development, particularly as regards the Federal Capital Territory Administration”.

5. Barr. Wike who also stated that the FCT Administration has among its priorities to ensure that the impact of governance is felt in the FCT satellite towns where a lot of infrastructure projects are currently ongoing, emphasized that the coordinator must coordinate, liaise, and brief him at all times as the Minister of the FCT.

6. He said, “You are not sent there to sit in your office and begin to negotiate with contractors. If I find out that, I will not hesitate to take necessary action. I cannot work in a situation where nobody talks about how to achieve results, or how to make an impact.

7. “Mine is do your work. If you do your work, everybody will see that you are doing your work. I don’t like praise singers. Your action will speak for itself. So, now that the FCT is seriously involved in the satellite towns, make sure that things are done very well”.

8. The FCT Minister also disclosed that he uncovered a lot of malfeasance in the cleaning contracts for the FCT satellite towns where the government was paying for jobs not done, adding that he directed the Area Council Chairmen to vet the contracts before payment is made.

9. He therefore charged the coordinator to also ensure that the cleaning contracts for the FCT satellite towns are properly executed before any bill is raised for the payment of the contractors.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

16/04/2024

FCTA/ODPS/PR/531







PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. Hon Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Hon. Justice C.O Agashieze, and the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the swearing-in ceremony of Hon Zulkiflu as the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department on Tuesday.

2. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike in a handshake with Hon Abdulkadir Zulkiflu following his swearing-in as the Coordinator Satellite Towns Development Department on Tuesday

…SAYS THEY ARE TO BE USED ONLY IN THE RURAL AREAS

1. Minister of the FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has presented 100 motorcycles to security outfits and the Six Area Councils in the FCT to help in the fight against crime in the nation’s capital.

2. The FCT Minister made the presentation in Abuja on Monday, April 15, 2024, during a brief ceremony attended by the Area Council Chairmen and Heads of the Security Agencies.

3. Giving a breakdown of how the motorcycles will be distributed, the Minister said each of the six Area Councils will get 10 motorcycles, which they will issue to their vigilante outfits, while the police will get 30.

4. He added that the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will get 5 motorcycles each.

5. Barr. Wike expressed confidence that the motorcycles will help to further improve the security situation in the nation’s capital and urged the beneficiaries to ensure that they are used to fight crime strictly in the rural areas.

6. He said the rural parts of the FCT were more vulnerable to crime due to their remote and difficult terrains and urged the security agencies to give them the needed protection.

7. He also urged the Area Council Chairmen to ensure that the motorcycles are given to the vigilante outfits in their various Councils, assuring that the FCT Administration will provide logistics for those using the motorcycles.

8. He said, “I don’t want to hear stories tomorrow that these motorcycles are nowhere to be found again. I don’t want to hear such stories because sometimes when you give out vehicles before you know it, the vehicles are no longer there. Please utilize these motorcycles to fight crime in the areas you have identified.

9. “So, I urge you to use it well and take it not for commercial purposes. I don’t want to see the motorcycles in the city here. It should be used in the rural areas. So, please let it be taken to the rural areas. All the security outposts, you give it to them so that we don’t continue to hear excuses that the terrain is so bad, they require this and that”.

10.The FCT Minister who also pledged continued support of the FCT Administration to the FCT Area Councils, further disclosed that patrol vehicles would also be ready for presentation to the security agencies in the next couple of weeks, to aid the fight against crime and criminalities.

11.He said, “Now that you have been given, this may not be enough and we will continue to provide more. For vehicles, we believe by the next two weeks, the vehicles would have been ready to give out to security agencies too”.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

15/04/2024

FCTA/ODP/530





FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike making his remarks at the handing over ceremony to security agencies in Abuja on Monday.

…REITERATES COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPING FCT RURAL COMMUNITIES

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to the provision of infrastructure in rural communities of the FCT Area Councils.

2. The FCT Minister said this when he carried out a routine inspection of ongoing road projects in the Kwali Area Council on Friday, 12th April.

3. The projects inspected by the FCT Minister included the 3.2-kilometer access road to Kwali town through the “Satellite quarters” and Angwan Hausawa areas of the town from the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway and its accompanying bridge as well as the 11-kilometer Yangoji – Sukuku – Ebo roads.

4. Barrister Wike said development cannot be concentrated only in the city center and assured that the FCT Administration will also take development to the rural areas, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

5. He said developing the FCT Area Councils will not only discourage rural-urban migration but will also improve security in the FCT Area Councils and ensure that people at the grassroots feel the impact of governance.

6. According to the FCT Minister, “You have to take development to the rural areas. That alone can mitigate rural-urban migration. You need to give them the infrastructure to develop on their own. For example, their farmers, how will they carry their produce to the city without any road. In terms of security, just imagine if people were kidnapped. How will the security agencies have access to this kind of area – look at the topography.

2024 EID-EL-FITR MESSAGE BY HON. MINISTER, FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, CHIEF (BARRISTER)EZENWO NYESOM WIKE CON, GSSRS TO RESIDENTS OF THE FCT

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2024

Dear Residents of the Federal Capital Territory,

1. As we bid farewell to the holy month of Ramadan, on behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, I extend my warmest greetings to you on the occasion of Eid el-Fitr.

2. I also most heartily congratulate the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of this religious obligation and pray that the supplications made to Almighty Allah will be answered.

3. This auspicious festival not only marks the end of a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection, it also serves as a profound reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and unity that lie at the heart of Islam.

4. During Ramadan, we witnessed the spirit of self-discipline, compassion, and unity that defines this sacred month. It is a time when we come together in solidarity, sharing meals, breaking fasts, and supporting one another in acts of charity and kindness.

5. I urge us, however, not to limit these acts of charity, love, and tolerance to only the holy month but should inculcate this culture into our everyday lives.

6. The end of Ramadan should also not signal an end to our prayers. I hereby enjoin us all to continue to offer supplications to the Almighty for our dear country Nigeria and her leaders for divine wisdom and guidance, especially as they work ceaselessly to overcome our current challenges.

7. Fellow residents of the FCT, this spirit of unity and togetherness that characterizes the nation’s capital is not only integral to the observance of Ramadan but also resonates deeply with the values of harmony and cohesion that the Federal Capital Territory stands for.

8. The FCT embodies diversity, tolerance, and harmony, serving as a symbol of unity for all Nigerians. Our strength lies in our ability to embrace our differences and work together towards common goals, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background.

9. As we celebrate Eid el-Fitr, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a society where every individual is valued and respected, and where peace and harmony prevail.

10. Let us imbibe the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR which prioritizes the well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians.

11. Under this noble agenda the FCTA is focusing on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, security, and economic empowerment.

12. The progress we have made so far, especially in the areas of security and provision of infrastructure in the road and rail sectors and reforms in the administration of the FCTA, have been recognized and applauded.

13. By investing in these key areas, we aim to create a more vibrant and resilient FCT, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

14. As we celebrate Eid el-Fitr, I urge all residents to celebrate responsibly and be security-conscious at all times.

15. Once more, I wish you all a joyous and memorable Eid-el-Fitr.

Barka da Sallah!

BARRISTER EZENWO NYESOM WIKE CON, GSSRS

The Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Monday, 8th of April, 2024 visited the Abuja International Conference Center where he lamented the poor state of the facilities and ordered its immediate closure for renovation to be carried out by Julius Berger, Nigeria Plc.

The minister was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) Ambassador Maureen Tamuno and other officials of the FCTA, AICL, and Julius Berger, Nigeria Plc

…EXPRESS SATISFACTION WITH ONGOING REHABILITATION WORKS

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has assured that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Scheme also known as the metro line will be inaugurated in May this year.

2. The FCT Minister gave the assurance in Abuja on Friday, when he carried out an inspection tour of the ongoing renovation and rehabilitation works on the Abuja metro line.

3. Barrister Wike said the rehabilitation exercise was about 97 percent complete and assured that it will be among the projects to be commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in May this year, to mark his one year in office.

4. The FCT Minister who rode on the train from the Abuja Metro station in the Central Business District to the Airport Train Station, where he observed the progress of work at the various train stations along the route, expressed satisfaction with the renovation and rehabilitation exercise.

5. He said the Abuja metro line was very important to developing the FCT's economy, adding, “We are almost 97 percent. All the works are going on to make sure that May is a reality”.

6. Continuing, Barr Wike said, “I want to say that as of yesterday, Mr. President has approved the schedule for the commissioning of projects for his one year in office. This is a very important project. Those of us who rode on the metro line, you will see that it’s more convenient to use the metro line than even the vehicles to go to the airport.

7. “So, I’m really impressed with the contractor, CCECC. They have assured us that all the renovation works will be ready before the commissioning date.

8. “I believe this will be the first project that Mr. President will like to inaugurate because it’s very key to the development of the economy, particularly as the FCT is concerned”.

9. “So, for me, it’s a dream come true and we are happy that after all is said and done, the metro line will be in use for Nigerians come May 2024”.

10. Speaking on the operational cost for the metro line, especially the training of personnel, the Minister disclosed that the FCTA has paid its contractual obligations to the contractors. He said though the cost was quite expensive, it was also important to ensure that there is a balance between saving cost and safeguarding the interest of the FCT.

11. On whether there were plans to provide rail services in densely populated parts of the FCT such as Nyanya, the Minister said the Abuja mass rail projects is being done in phases, due to the financial implications. He however assured that the issue would be considered as development efforts continue in the FCT.

12. Speaking further on efforts to improve road transportation in the FCT, the Minister reassured that three bus terminals would be constructed for dedicated routes in the FCT, adding that the FCT Administration will also roll out its transport system in order curtail criminalities and improve overall security in the nation’s capital.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

05/04/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/526





1. The Secretary for Transportation, Hon Charles Elechi (2nd left) FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (3rd right) and senior officials of the FCTA and the CCECC during the Minister's tour of the Abuja Metro line on Friday

2. The train during its stop at the Abuja Airport station.

3 FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (2nd left) in the company of senior officials of the FCTA and CCECC with other guests on the train from the city center to the airport, during the Minister's inspection of the Abuja Metro line on Friday.

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assenting to the FCT’s 2024 statutory budget.



2. The FCT Minister expressed his appreciation in Abuja on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, when he carried out a routine inspection of ongoing projects in the FCT.



3. The projects visited by the Minister include the provision of engineering infrastructure to the Guzape District Lot II, the Provision of roads and engineering infrastructure to the New Layout, and the Diplomatic Area AS Phase II Contract of the ongoing Guzape Lot II District Infrastructure.



4. Others are the provision of engineering infrastructure to Guzape District II Cadastral Zone A11 District, Emergency Contract for the Resurfacing of existing roads in Asokoro District and Extension of Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) from the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) to the Southern Parkway (S8/S9).


He said, “We want to thank Mr. President who has assented to the appropriation Act and enabled us to go into start the procurement process”.


6. The Minister said with the assent of the President to the FCT’s 2024 budget, the territory will witness a revolution in the provision of infrastructure. He also pledged the commitment of the FCTA to ensuring the completion of some of the ongoing projects that are scheduled to be commissioned in May this year.



7. He said, “What you will see will be a revolution in terms of infrastructure. With this budget, a lot of things will be done, not just on road construction but in the health sector and education sector. Just be assured that it will be a revolution of the infrastructure in Abuja”.



8. Barr. Wike who also expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of the road construction efforts in the FCT, further commended residents of the FCT for their support and understanding of the challenges, especially the diversion of traffic.



9. He however frowned at undue criticisms of the development efforts of the FCT Administration, especially in the areas of road construction seemingly to the detriment of other sectors and the supposed absence of streetlights in some areas saying that those behind such criticisms are sadists.



10.He said the FCT Administration has been consistent in its efforts to repair the streetlights that were vandalized adding that streetlights are also being introduced to the ongoing road projects the FCT.



11.He said, “People should be able to commend government when there are improvements. I didn’t say that we are going to concentrate only on roads. We are saying we are going to dwell on the health sector and the education sector, even in agriculture.



12.“In terms of education, in the last few weeks, we have flagged off the renovation of about 19 schools and I did say that we are going to take up 21 schools again under the 2024 budget.



13.“These people know. It’s just that sometimes, they find it difficult to accept the reality on the ground that yes things have changed... They are not happy because what they expect is not what they see. They thought that we would have failed, but unfortunately, we are not failing. We are getting stronger and stronger every day. So, don’t bother about sadists. There is nothing you can do about them”.

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that the FCT’s N1.28 trillion 2024 statutory budget will revolutionize infrastructure provision in the nation’s capital.



2. The Minister who made this statement during a media chat with journalists in Abuja, said the budget will not only cater for the provision of roads in the FCT but will also prioritize the healthcare and education sectors, as well as the Abuja metro line, amongst other projects.



3. He said, “Frankly speaking, it is going to revolutionize infrastructure as far as the FCT is concerned. Not only road networks but also in health and education”.



4. The Minister said 70 percent of the budget has been allocated to capital expenditure, with 58 percent of that capital component is earmarked for the completion of ongoing projects, while 42 percent is for new projects.



5. According to the Minister, to be given priority amongst other projects are; the rehabilitation of 21 schools in deplorable conditions across the six Area Councils as well as the Utako, Gwagwalada, and Gwarimpa General Hospitals to ensure that they are up to the required standard.



6. He said, “I believe by the grace of God that the budget is going to be very impactful to the residents of Abuja”.



7. On how the FCT intends to finance the over N1 trillion budget which is the largest since the inception of the FCT, the Minister disclosed that the withdrawal of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) has enabled the Administration to source for funds from the financial market using its IGR.



8. He said the FCT Administration through this approach, has been able to address the issue of delays in the completion of ongoing projects as well as the attendant variation of contracts in addition to also restoring the confidence of contractors, which was hitherto lacking.



9. He said, “The funds are there now and the contractors are happy because these funds have been tied to various specific projects. It is going to create a situation where people will wonder what is going on”.



10. “This strategy is what I used when I was Governor and it has paid off… Contractors like nothing better than to hear that funds are available. Before you know it, you have turned around the entire place. That is what is going on today in Abuja”.



11. The Minister also restated that contractors in the FCT were fully committed to completing the projects that are scheduled for completion in May this year to mark the President’s one year in office.



12. Some of the projects, according to him, include the Southern Parkway, the Wuye Interchange connecting Wuye to Wuse District, the Outer Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to OSEX/Ring Road I, the Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), the Guzape District Infrastructure, the Abuja Metroline and all the access roads to the train stations, amongst others.



13. The FCT Minister also reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to ensuring that development reaches the FCT Area Councils. He said in addition to the ongoing construction of rural roads in the six Area Councils, provision has also been made in the 2024 budget to implement other important roads that were identified by the Area Council stakeholders.



14. Speaking on efforts to improve security in the nation’s capital, the Minister said the FCT is setting up a special response squad comprising a joint team from the various security agencies. He said the team will be well-equipped and provided with the necessary technology to tackle crime and criminality in the FCT.



15. He said, “We are also getting drones for the security personnel who will man the Command-and-Control Centre. Having a drone is key, so that you will be able to know when these bandits are moving in or when they are moving out so you will be able to take proactive action".



16. On the installation of CCTV in the FCT, the Minister said it would require the collaboration of stakeholders in the security sector, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and Department of State Services (DSS)adding that steps would also need to be taken to ensure that CCTVs are not vandalized after installation.



17. Barr. Wike also spoke on land matters in the FCT and assured that efforts were ongoing to sanitize land administration in the nation's capital.



18. The Minister dismissed allegations that he was vindictive in actions taken on certain land matters in the Asokoro District and warned mischief makers against giving ethnic colorations to actions taken by the FCTA.



19. He said the FCT Civil Service Commission would take disciplinary actions against any staff of the FCTA found guilty of perpetrating land fraud saying "As far as I’m concerned in this FCT, it is no longer going to be business as usual.



20. The Minister also addressed some political issues in his home state of Rivers but said he intends to concentrate more on his job as FCT Minister.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

02/04/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/522







PHOTO CAPTION

1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the live media chat on Tuesday

...THANKS MR PRESIDENT FOR HIS SUPPORT

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has reassured that ongoing critical infrastructure projects scheduled for completion in May will be delivered on schedule.



2. The FCT Minister gave the reassurance in Abuja on Saturday, when he carried out a routine inspection visit to several ongoing infrastructure project sites in Abuja.



3. The sites visited by the Minister include the construction of the Southern Parkway S8/S9 from Christian Centre to Ring Road I (RRI), the construction of the Vice President’s official residence as well as the completion of Road B6 and B12 and Circle Road in the central area of the city.



4. Others are the Provision of Engineering Infrastructure to Wuye District, Full Scope Development of the Arterial Road N20 from the Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), and the Rehabilitation and Expansion of the Outer Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to OSEX /Ring Road 1 Junction, including four numbers of interchange.



5. Giving his general assessment of the project sites visited, the FCT Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and said that the contractors have reaffirmed their commitment to complete the projects by May this year.



6. According to the FCT Minister, “We have been to six sites today. We went to the Southern Parkway, which is being done by Setraco and the contractors have reaffirmed that that project will be handed over to us, first week of May or thereabout.



7. “Then we went to the VP’s residence which is being handled by Julius Berger and they have done not less than 90 percent. By the grace of God, it will be handed over to us by May.
“Then we went to B6, B12, which is also handled by Julius Berger. You can see they are quite confident and the way they are working, they are going to also hand over that project this May.



8. “We now drove to Wuye District where the engineering infrastructure is being carried out by Arab Contractors. Of course, you can as well say they are 95 percent ready. They have made their commitment that that will be handed over.



9. “Then we now moved to N20, which is being done by Gilmor. I can say with the level of work, I believe by the second week of May, God willing, they will also hand over that project.



10. “Then we are here at OSEX which is being done by CGC. We’ve seen the level of work and they’ve appealed to residents, particularly on Interchange 1 that they have to divert traffic and the public should bear the inconveniences. It’s just temporary inconveniences for the good of everybody”.



11. Barrister Wike also disclosed that the projects sites visited were in addition to other projects that are set to be completed and handed over by May this year and assured that adequate funding has been provided for the contractors to complete the job.



12. He said, “For us, these six projects are not the only projects we are expecting to be handed over to us in May. We believe that after the public holiday on Monday, we are meeting with all the contractors on Tuesday to know how much they are ready and then on Wednesday, we are also going to see some sites at Guzape and other areas to see the level of preparedness”.



13. The Minister further stated that the essence of the regular visits to the project sites was to ensure that the contractors adhere to the agreed standards.





14. The FCT Minister who also spoke on the need for leaders to always fulfill the promises they made to the citizens, said doing so will provide a valuable framework for harmony in the society.



15. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fulfilled the promises he made to transform the FCT and thanked the President for his support.



16. The Minister said FCT residents were very happy with the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, adding “Nigerians can see that the President has done well. The promises he has made to transform Abuja is coming out successfully and there is no need to doubt”.



17. “I want to say I speak for Abuja and I’m happy with the support Mr. President is giving. The contractors can say that funding is not a problem. I have always asked, just like I asked CGC here, that I hope funding is not a problem and they said it’s not a problem”, Barr Wike stressed.



18. The FCT Minister further reiterated that the FCT will not abandon ongoing projects, adding that new projects will only be embarked upon when there is budgetary provision, irrespective of the pressure to do so.



19. He said, “I promised before that we will not allow projects to be abandoned. Where we don’t have funds, we don’t need to award contracts. It doesn’t matter the pressure that may come”, the Minister said.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

30/03/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/521







PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. Construction of bridges as part of the provision of engineering infrastructure at Wuye District inspected by the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike on Saturday

2 Official residence of the Vice President under construction visited by FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike on Saturday

3 FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (2nd right) flanked by contractors and FCTA officials during his inspection of the Vice President's official residence, under construction on Saturday.

The FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, 27/03/2024, inspected the ongoing 11km FCT Highway 105, which is a six-lane dualization from the Airport Expressway to Kuje junction, being undertaken by Arab Contractors and the Emergency Asphalt Carriageway from Tipper Garage junction to LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on the road project and assured that it would be completed by the end of this year.

Excited members of various Kuje communities warmly welcomed the Minister.

... AS HE RECEIVES INDIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER TO NIGERIA



1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has expressed the desire for an expanded trade partnership between India and Nigeria to encourage more Indian business people to invest in the FCT.

2. The FCT Minister made this known when he received the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri G. Balasubramanian, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

3. Barrister Wike acknowledged the cordial relationship between India and Nigeria and the huge Indian business presence in Nigeria and said he would also like to see an increase in Indian investments in the FCT.

4. He assured that the FCT has adequate security and the necessary infrastructure for businesses to thrive in the nation’s capital.

5. According to the Minister, “I do know that India has a huge presence in Nigeria, in terms of companies, particularly Indorama (Eleme Petrochemicals Ltd), when I was Governor. That’s one of the biggest petrochemicals in West Africa, and then in terms of fertilizer. It’s quite a huge investment and we would also like to have that kind of relationship with you in Abuja”.

6. The Minister also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to improve bilateral relations between India and Nigeria and pledged that the FCT Administration will also continue to ensure that the environment is conducive for foreign missions in the FCT to conduct their affairs.

7. He said, “We are here to see that whatever you require within our purview, we will not hesitate to do that for you”.

8. Speaking earlier, the Indian Ambassador to Nigeria, G. Balasubramanian also acknowledged the excellent and longstanding diplomatic and trade relations between India and Nigeria.

9. He said India started its diplomatic relations with Nigeria two years before Nigeria’s independence in 1958 when it established a diplomatic office in Lagos, adding that India also has more than 155 companies operating in Nigeria with investments worth billions of dollars.

10. According to him, “There are more than 155 Indian companies in Nigeria with more than 27 billion dollars of investments in various manufacturing areas, from plastics to steel, to oil, to pharmaceuticals, almost in every sector. Indian companies are the second largest employers after the Nigerian government.

11. “That is the level of engagement that we have and we have a wonderful relationship between our two countries in terms of political relationship. His Excellency President Tinubu has been to India as part of the G20 invitation that was extended by India and attended the G20 Summit in September last year.

12. “Agriculturally also, we have excellent cooperation. We have been having various groups from Nigeria going to India to participate in different areas of exhibitions and in cultural activities”.

13. The Indian Envoy also thanked the FCT Minister for ensuring that the environment is conducive for the embassy to conduct its affairs in the FCT.

14. Present at the vent were the FCTA General Counsel Barrister Salman Dako, Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and PPP, Arch. Ubokutom Nyah and SSA on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

26/03/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/518

PHOTO CAPTION



1. Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Shri G. Balasubramanian with the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the envoy's visit to the FCTA on Tuesday

2. FCTA General Counsel Barr. Salman Dako, Head of Chancery, Indian High Commission, Abuja, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Shri G. Balasubramanian, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Secretary Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and PPP, Arch. Ubokutom Nyah and the SSA to the Minister on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation, Barrister Benedict Daudu, during the Indian envoy's visit to the FCTA on Tuesday

3 Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Shri G. Balasubramanian presenting a gift to the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the envoy's visit to the FCTA on Tuesday

4. Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, HE Shri G. Balasubramanian (left) receiving a traditional gift from the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike during the envoy's visit.

…SAYS PROVISION MADE FOR REHABILITATION OF 20 ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has flagged off the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 19 schools in the FCT.



2. The FCT Minister who conducted the flag-off exercise at the School of the Gifted in Gwagwalada Area Council in the FCT on Wednesday, March 21, 2024, said the schools to rehabilitated cut across the six Area Councils of the FCT.



3. Barrister Wike while emphasizing the importance of education to the development of the nation said the FCT is poised to give the best to the education sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.



4. He said the FCT will not only provide access to education but will also ensure a quality and conducive environment for learning, adding that the expectations in the education sector in the FCT would surely be met.



5. He said, “It is not only access to education. If you give access to education without quality, then you have not given education. While we are providing access, we must also provide quality and the quality entails that the environment must be conducive and habitable. So, be assured that we will give you the best. We are looking into the teachers too, how we are going to provide quality teachers to teach our children”.



6. The Minister also assured the contractors working on the rehabilitation and reconstruction project of timely payment. He said funding for the project has been provided in the 2023 FCT supplementary budget adding that provision has also been made in the 2024 statutory budget for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 20 additional schools.



7. He said, “Let me assure you contractors that nobody will be owed. As I came in, there was a file I met in the office. I made sure that your mobilization has been sent to the bank so that you don’t need to worry yourself. That has been done”.



8. The Minister also disclosed that the President has given him a marching order to give attention to the health sector and pledged that rehabilitation work would also commence there.



9. He said, “I can assure you now that the budget has been passed, we are coming back to Gwagwalada for the General Hospital in Gwagwalada to make sure that you are given the best.



10. “That is the essence of the renewed hope agenda. All those times you have lost hope, the hope is back under the government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu” Barr. Wike said.



11. The FCT Minister thanked the National Assembly for expeditiously passing the FCT’s 2024 statutory budget, saying “It means that you want us to start work without any hesitation”.



12. Speaking earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud commended the development efforts of the FCT Minister which she also said were in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT.



13. Dr. Mahmoud who recalled that the flag-off of the school rehabilitation and reconstruction exercise was the third visit of the FCT Administration to the Gwagwalada Area Council, following earlier visits to hold security townhall meetings and flag off the construction of rural roads, also commended the FCT Minister for the improved security in the FCT.



14. Dr Mahmoud, while emphasizing the importance of education as the bedrock in the development of any nation and the cornerstone of progress, said the FCT was happy to commence the rehabilitation of the schools to give the students a conducive and very suitable place for their learning in order for them to achieve their dreams.



15. She said, “We are happy to have this flag-off for reconstruction and also rehabilitation of some of the dilapidated buildings. This is just the beginning as Mr. Project is on board and as he has said, we still come back to Gwagwalada for the next achievement. That’s where we will look at health and that’s where you will hear our voice soon”.




16. In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairmen Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the FCT area councils and auxiliary matters, Senator David Jimkuta and Honourable Fred Agbedi both commended the FCT Minister for his drive towards educational excellence and enjoined all stakeholders to support him in the quest.




17. Earlier in his welcome address, the mandate secretary for education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo had said that the school project was aimed at revitalizing educational infrastructure in schools within the FCT with a focus on rehabilitating and constructing various school facilities such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, admirative blocks, toilets and water system.




18 “The goal is to enhance the learning environment, promote education excellence and ensure the students and teachers have access to quality facilities, conducive to their academic and teachers’ development”, he said.

1. The newly appointed Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, Chairman and Commissioners of the FCT Civil Service Commission, as well as the FCTA Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries, were sworn into office today Monday, March 18, 2024 in a ceremony chaired by the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.



2. The swearing-into office was performed by the representative of the FCT Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Sylvanus Oriji.



3. Engr. Emeka Ezeh was sworn in as the Chairman of the Commission alongside six Commissioners, representing the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria while Mr. Samuel Atang was sworn in as Head of Service of the FCTA alongside ten permanent secretaries.



4. Others sworn in are the coordinators, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Chief Felix Amaechi Obuah and the Abuja Infrastructure Investment Center (AIIC) Oladiran Olufemi Akindele.



5. In his address at the occasion, FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, congratulated the new appointees on their success as the first set of appointees for the FCT Civil Service Commission while urging them to commence the provision of qualitative services to residents and Staff for the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT.



6. The Minister who demanded 100 percent loyalty from the appointees said, “Wherever you are posted to, your total loyalty is the most important and expected”.



7. Barr. Wike said the President has shown great leadership in ensuring the implementation of the 2018 Act establishing the Commission, adding that the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission signifies a major milestone in the journey towards institutional excellence in the FCTA.



8. He said: “Prior to this period, it was difficult for a staff of FCTA to be a Permanent Secretary. Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made it possible to get to the peak of your career. At least for sure, those of you who are not Permanent Secretaries are now hopeful that tomorrow you will be Permanent Secretaries”.



9. He stressed that the commission will play a crucial role in upholding the principles of meritocracy, fairness, and professionalism in the recruitment, promotion, and discipline of civil servants in the FCTA


.The Minister however advised the appointees to perform to expectation or face the consequences, warning that he will not hesitate to remove underperforming officials.


11. Describing the new Chairman of the Commission as a highly disciplined individual, Barr Wike expressed confidence in his ability to turn things around for the better in the FCT civil service.



12. He said, “I knew him when I was the Minister of State for Education and he was DG, Bureau of Public Procurement. He is a no-nonsense person. He knows the rules very well in and out of civil service. So the President knows to get us the best to start the FCT Civil Service because he knows it will not be easy”.



13. While congratulating FCTA staff for the great stride in career progression as a result of the establishment of the commission, Barr. Wike urged them to work hard to achieve the peak of their career while warning them to desist from acts that could jeopardise their career.



14. The Minister also disclosed an impending reshuffling of officers in the FCTA and urged the Permanent Secretaries and Mandate Secretaries to work together to ensure the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the nation’s capital..



15. He explained that as part of Mr President’s agenda, and under his directive, development will no longer be focused in city but will be taken to the Area Councils, expressing joy that such has already begun with the flag off of construction and rehabilitation of township roads in the 6 Area Councils.



16. Present at event were the Minister of state, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, former senator representing the FCT, Senator Philip Aduda, former governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Mandate Secretaries amongst others.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER

18/03/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/514







PHOTO CAPTIONS

1.FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike and the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud discuss during the Swearing -in ceremony of FCTA Permanent Secretaries and political appointees on Monday in Abuja.

2, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike congratulates the new FCTA Head of Service, Mr Samuel Atang following the swearing into office of the latter in Abuja on Monday

3 FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike making his address during the Swearing -in ceremony of FCTA Permanent Secretaries and political appointees on Monday in Abuja.
Show trimmed content

1. To enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Administration of the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has appointed Hon. Chidi Amadi as his Chief of Staff.

2. Hon Amadi has vast experience in public service and has held several strategic political positions including PDP Chairman of Obio /Akpor Local Government Area and Chief of Staff to the Governor of Rivers State.

3. As Chief of Staff, Hon Amadi will play a pivotal role in supporting the FCT Minister in the formulation and execution of policies and programs aimed at advancing the development agenda of the Federal Capital Territory and will provide strategic guidance as well as ensuring the smooth functioning of the Minister's office.

4. He will be sworn into office on Monday 18th of March, 2024.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

15/03/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/513

1. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said there is marked improvement in the security situation of the FCT



2. The FCT Minister stated this while addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, shortly after a closed-door meeting on security with the Senate at the National Assembly following an invitation by the upper chamber to brief it on the security situation of the FCT.





3. Speaking after the closed-door meeting the Minister said there has been a reduction in crime and criminalities in the FCT, adding that two of the most wanted kidnappers in the FCT have also been arrested.



4. Barrister Wike stated that though the FCT has not reached where it wants to be in terms of security, he said there was a marked improvement in the security situation as attested to by the lawmakers.



5. The Minister said it was impossible to put a total stop to crime and criminalities within any society, but assured that the FCT Administration, working with the security agencies, will continue to do its best to secure lives and property in the nation’s capital.



6. According to the Minister, “Even the Senators agreed that security has quite improved in the FCT. There is no part of this world where criminality has been eradicated completely.



7. “What we are trying to say is being able to limit or reduce the level of insecurity. But if anybody tells you that as a society is concerned, you will not have one form of criminality, that is not correct and we must have to tell ourselves the truth”.



8. Barrister Wike also disclosed that the kidnapping incidents in the FCT were sometimes stage-managed by unscrupulous elements in the society while assuring that the security agencies will continue to ensure that kidnapped victims were released.



9. 10. According to the Minister, “The kidnappings you hear, sometimes, are stage-managed by people. There are some internal arrangements. Take for example, you have a housekeeper in the house, you have a driver who will plot to kidnap the child of their master. In that case, what do you want us to do? All we can do is to see how the person that has been kidnapped is released. But to stop it will be difficult because it’s an in-house arrangement, where a driver that is involved in bringing a child from school will mastermind the kidnapping”.



10. Speaking further, the Minister said, “I’m not saying that we don’t have kidnapping. Mind you, two most notorious kidnappers, we have gotten them and that’s why you see that the level of kidnapping has reduced.



11. .“We are not saying that we have gotten where we want to be, but we are doing a lot and people must acknowledge that what used to be is not what we are seeing now and we will continue to do our best by providing the best for our people, but we cannot give you the assurance that there will be no form of criminality. Nobody can say that”.



12. Also at the meeting were the FCT Commissioner of Police Benneth Igwe, FCT Director of the DSS, ADG Ado Muazu, and the Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER

13/03/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/510





PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. L-R: FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Commissioner of Polic, Benneth Igwe, NSCDC Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, and the State Director, DSS, Ado Muazu at the Senate Chambers during the briefing on the security situation in the FCT by the Minister on Wednesday

2. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike briefing Journalists following his meeting with the Senate on the security situation in the FCT on Wednesday

3 FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike at the National Assembly during his meeting with the Senate on the security situation in the FCT on Wednesday.

...EXPLAINS HIS FREQUENT VISIT TO SITES

1. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike has said that his regular visitations to construction sites in the FCT were to ensure that the contractors keep to their promise of completing the projects by May this year.

2. The FCT Minister disclosed this on Monday, 4th March 2024 when he carried out an inspection visit to ongoing road construction sites in parts of the city.

3. The sites visited by the Minister include the Guzape Lot 2, the Guzape Diplomatic area, and the full scope development of the Arterial Road N20, from Northern Parkway (Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Expressway) to Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

4. The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the roads as he was assured of their completion by May of 2024.

5. According to the Minister, “The visit is to go round to see the commitments made by the various contractors, whether they are going to fulfill the promises they have made.

6. “On Saturday, we also had this kind of inspection. Today, we went to Guzape and then we also went to the Diplomatic Area.

7. “And now we are in N20. I can tell you the last time I came here, the work was not up to this extent and I’m very much impressed with what I’ve seen, which shows that Gilmor will hand over this project to us and then we hand it over to the public”.

8. The FCT Minister was accompanied on the visit by former Senator representing the FCT, Senator Phillip Aduda and other senior officials of the FCT Administration, including the Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, amongst others.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

04/03/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/506


PHOTOS

1. Arterial Road N20 under construction

2. FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike (1st right) flanked by Senator Philip Aduda (3rd right) and officials of the FCTA, stressing a point during his inspection of road projects in Abuja on Monday 3rd March 2024.

3. FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike (middle), flanked by Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, (1st left) GM Gilmor Construction Company Engr Benjamin Moshe (right) during the Minister's visit to the N20 Arterial road site on Monday.

4. Road construction work at Guzape inspected by the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike on Monday.

...AS MINISTER WARNS DIRECTORS AGAINST SABOTAGE

1. Consequent to the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that 9 Permanent Secretaries will be appointed to head the Mandate Secretariats of the FCT Administration.

2. Barrister Wike revealed this in Abuja on Monday, March 4th, 2024 during his maiden Meeting with the Directors of the FCT Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority, (FCDA).

3. The FCT Minister also disclosed that a Head of Service and Chairman of, the FCT Civil Service Commission as well as Members of the Commission will be appointed to take charge of the employment, training, and discipline of the FCT Civil Servants, just as it is the practice in states of the Federation.

4. The Minister described the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission as a bold initiative, saying it takes people who are firm and with a desire to do things right to implement certain policies or laws.

5. According to the Minister, “The Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is to do things right and that was why the President took that step to implement the 2018 law regarding establishing the Civil Service of the FCT.

6. "By the grace of God, we will have a Head of Service. We will have Permanent Secretaries that will head the various Secretariats, just like what is obtainable in the states”.

7. The Minister disclosed that although there were challenges while implementing the policy as there were people opposed to it, he said the President stood firm and insisted that the FCT Civil Service Commission must be established.

8. Consequently, the Minister said, “Very soon, we will be sending names to Mr. President for approval of those who will be the first set of Permanent Secretaries that will head the various Secretariats and then, of course, the Head of Service, and then the Chairman and members of the Civil Service Commission, who will now be responsible for the employment, training, and discipline of the FCT Civil Servants”.

9. Speaking further on the appointment of the Permanent Secretaries, the Minister said he would submit the names to the President on his return from Qatar, adding that he would also ensure geographical spread in line with the Federal Character Principle.

10.He said, “When the President comes back today, I will submit the nine persons. It must be spread in the six geopolitical zones. So, if it is nine that is coming, at least, the six zones must have one each. That makes it six. Then we can play with three because I will not support where one zone will take three, another zone does not have. We will not do that. So, pray that you will be one of the first Permanent Secretaries. It will be a real feat for you”.

11.The Minister however observed that some Directors in the FCT Administration were working to frustrate the efforts of the government and warned that he will not accept any act of sabotage.

12.The Minister said the current FCT Administration has done what no other Administration has done for the Directors and called on them to give their full support in order to achieve the mandate of the President.

13.According to the Minister, “I worry that Mr. President cannot be doing this and some of us are sabotaging the efforts of the Administration. If what you have been looking for, for years, somebody comes on board to say this thing has been difficult, any obstacle, I’m going to remove it. This thing must be implemented, it requires that you too on your own part must do everything necessary for the person to succeed and it takes commitment, it takes hard work.

14.“We are doing the best we can to change the face of the city. You too have to help us. I feel that I should let you know this so that you won’t say you were not warned. We are fully aware and you know, anything that I want to do, let heaven come down, I will do it”.

15.The FCT Minister also disclosed that he will carry out a reshuffle of the Directorship cadre in the FCT Administration to encourage efficiency and service delivery. He said he would rejig the system with the transfer of several Directors, adding that he would not allow any Director to remain permanently in one office.

16.“People are commending us for what we are doing, but we have to move faster. So, I felt I should let you know so that you won’t say you were taken unaware”, the Minister said.

17.Barrister Wike while also noting that the withdrawal of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account has enabled the FCT Administration to carry out so much infrastructure development, said the Administration will roll out the achievements of President Bola Tinubu by May this year.

18.Speaking on the challenges confronting the citizenry in the country, the Minister sued for patience, saying that the changes that Nigerians yearn for cannot be achieved overnight.

19.He said, “Everybody should be patient. The policies embarked upon by Mr. President may be very tough, but that’s what we require now in order to survive. Things were really very bad. To make things to change will not be a miracle. Tough decisions will be taken. And when tough decisions are taken, you know Nigerians we don’t like to be patient. We want it today; something that has been spoilt for over 20 years, we want it corrected in seven, or eight months. It doesn’t come that way. But at the end of the day, what are we doing to get it right? Yes, we are going to get it right”.

20.Also at the meeting were the Hon. Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Executive Secretary of the FCDA Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed and the Acting Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Samuel Atang.



ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

(DIRECTOR PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE MINISTER)

O4/03/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/505


PHOTOS

1. FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike stressing a point during his meeting with FCTA Directors on Monday, 4th March 2024

2. L-R: FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed and FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud during the Minister's meeting with Directors of the FCTA on Monday, 3rd March 2024

3. L-R: Acting Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Samuel Atang, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud during the Minister's meeting with Directors of the FCTA on Monday, 3rd March 2024

4 FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike making his remarks during his meeting with FCTA Directors on Monday, 4th March 2024

1. Ahead of the May 2024 delivery date for some key projects in the FCT, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Saturday, March 2, 2023 embarked upon an inspection of three ongoing projects in the FCT.



2. The projects are, the provision of Wuye District infrastructure, the FCT Highway 105 (11km six lane dual carriageway) linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje and the official residence of the Vice President.





3. On his impression about the projects, Barr Wike said he was very happy with the speed and quality of work and commended the contractors. He said the contractors have also assured that the Wuye/Wuse flyover, which is 85 percent complete and the Vice President’s official residence will be ready by May this year.



4. The Minister further stated that the FCT Highway 105 (11km six lane dual carriageway) linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje when completed, would open up the area and bring a lot of changes to the FCT.





5. According to the Minister, “I have to commend the various contractors, the Arab Contractors and Julius Berger. The first site we went to is almost 85 percent complete, one of those interchanges in Wuye District. The contractors are keeping to faith with their commitment to handover the project by May.



6. “And then we also went to the Kuje road which is the six lane road. It’s about 11 kilometers. That road from the airport road down to Kuje will open up that area of the Area Council. The last time when I went to flag off one of the rural roads, we didn’t see much about the contractors and I did say that the contractors are not serious. But going back there today, one is very impressed with the level of work and the quality of work. I’m quite impressed with what I saw”.





7. Speaking further on the official residence of the Vice President, the Minister said the contractors were at the stage of electrical installations, which might not be quite visible but assured that a lot of changes would be seen in the next few weeks while, assuring that the project would be ready by May.



8. He said, “We were at the VP’s residence which is being handled by Julius Berger and like I said, they have made further commitment that by May, they are going to hand over. Why we may not be seeing enough of what we think should be improvements is because they are concentrating on electrical cables. By the next two, three weeks, you will see a lot of changes. They are known for quality and we are really financing them well”.





9. Barrister Wike also reiterated that no ongoing project in the FCT would be abandoned. He said the projects that are considered as priority have been included in the FCT’s 2024 statutory budget for adequate funding.



10.According to the Minister, “We have always said that we are not going to allow any project to be abandoned. We have taken our priorities and most of these projects are also being included in our 2024 statutory budget, which will soon be presented to the National Assembly by Mr. President when he returns from Qatar”.





11.The Minister also addressed the concern of residents over the seeming delay in the road resurfacing exercise, particularly in the Asokoro District. He assured that the project would also be ready by May.



12.He said, “What we have said is that these things will be completed before or handed over by May. If you look at the AYA road, it’s being handled by Julius Berger and you know their own style of work, they like to scrape and then take all together when they want to asphalt. So, it is not as if it has been abandoned. When they want to asphalt, they take all at the same time. So, there is nothing like abandonment. What is important to us is if they are going to meet up to the date that they have committed themselves.





13.“Frankly speaking, I’m very happy with the quality and the speed. By May, a lot of Nigerians will see the changes as far as the FCT is concerned”.



14.The Minister was accompanied on the road inspection tour by the Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr. Hadi Shehu Ahmed, the Director Engineering, Engr. Obiora Ezeoha, former Senator representing the FCT, Sen. Phillip Aduda, senior officials of the FCT Administration, among others.



RABI MUSA UMAR

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, INFORMATION (PRESS)

OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER

02/03/2024
FCTA/ODP/PR/504


PHOTO CAPTIONS

1) Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr. Hadi Shehu Ahmed (in front) leading the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike (2nd left) and team on inspection of projects in the FCT on Saturday.

2) FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike inspects projects on Saturday

3) FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, fielding questions from journalists shortly after inspecting projects in the FCT on Saturday

4) L-R) Former Senator representing the FCT, Sen. Philip Aduda, FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, 1) Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr. Hadi Shehu Ahmed and Director, Engineering Services during projects inspection in FCT on Saturday

5) Ongoing work on the FCT Highway 105 (Kuje road) project

6) Ongoing work at the official residence of the Vice President