₦airaland Forum

…As he Inspects Ongoing Road Projects in satellite towns

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has stressed the role of road infrastructure in driving the development of any nation, highlighting its impact on access to education, healthcare and agricultural produce.

Barr. Wike stated this while addressing journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing road construction projects across Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils in the FCT on Friday, May 16, 2025.

The road projects inspected are the 10-kilometer Aguma Palace-Radio Nigeria-New Market Road in Gwagwalada and the 15-kilometer A2 to Pai road from the Abuja Lokoja Expressway to Pai community in Kwali Area Council.


The Minister said, “Road network is what brings development. When there are no roads, which school will you go to? When there are no roads, which hospital will you go to? So, first of all, the key thing that drives development is the road network all over the world. If you are talking about agriculture, how do you go and bring your produce when there are no roads?”

He highlighted the positive impact these roads will have on local farmers in the FCT, enabling them to transport their produce to urban markets. Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the role of well-lit roads in enhancing security, saying, “You see this kind of road with streetlights, obviously, you have to think twice before you commit any offence.”

The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the positive reception from the local communities in response to these road projects, saying it reinforces the FCT Administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said, “We are happy when the people express their happiness over the performance of government. That of course energizes you and tells you that you are doing the right thing. When we went to the Aguma Palace road, you could see the enthusiasm of the people there; the market people, the residents showed how happy they were. They were shouting that renewed hope is working and that is what we have assured Nigerians, that Renewed Hope is not just mere talks. It is something that has come to stay”.

Barr. Wike, who also noted the significant progress made on the A2 to Pai road in Kwali Area Council, praised the contractor for the quality of the infrastructure, including the installation of streetlights. He attributed the success of the FCTA in the completion of various projects to President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and support, adding that the FCT Administration is happy to fulfill all the promises it made to residents.

“We thank God Almighty that we are able to accomplish this, and that is what I have always said - when you have the right leadership. Mr. President has shown the right leadership. There is no magic about it. When you have the right leadership, you are bound to achieve results. All those working with you will queue, knowing fully well that this is your vision, knowing fully well that this is your mission, you are committed to it and you want to achieve results. So, nobody will have excuses to give”, the Minister said.

Addressing the broader development agenda of the Administration, the Minister affirmed government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and services across all sectors, including education and health, explaining that over 60 schools have been renovated and furnished in the FCT.

“We’ve done a lot of work on schools... the schools we have renovated and furnished are more than 60 schools, but I can tell you, no sector will be left abandoned. Every sector will be focused on,” the Minister said.

chiiraq802:
Nigerian Polithiefcians na Road construction be there greatest achievement. Tufiakwa

Commentor:
You just want to complain.

chiiraq802:
Nigerian Polithiefcians na Road construction be there greatest achievement. Tufiakwa

integrity16:
I think building of roads should not longer be regarded as the real dividend of democracy because after all, the best road infrastructure ever built in Nigeria till today were built by the military. Wike should focus on something else abeg.

Zico5:
Road constructions everywhere when masses are suffering. They know where kickback from contractors can be achieved and that's why all of them are engaging in it. What about food security, what about health care and others that can directly affect common man.

crossbreedwears:
Please can you tell us the other things he should focus on?

chiiraq802:
Nigerian Polithiefcians na Road construction be there greatest achievement. Tufiakwa

SeeWahala:
Okay, no problem. Road is good, I agree . . .

BUT

What good are your new roads when

1. People would get kidnapped on them daily

2. Transportation costs would not be friendlier than it was before the construction began or ended.

3. Nigerians using cars on old adjacent roads will still be battling with dangerously deep potholes and the pedestrians will be getting splashed with mud while dodging puddles or walking in the gutters themselves

4. Let me not think of those tolls or checkpoints that will not hinder lawlessness but encourage delays due to motorists paying 'roja' or newly recruited agberos

I sincerely wish government pauses on these roads and instead focused on industries next. We a e enough roads already and only need more types of goods moving along them feom left to right (especially export). Why must 95% of the good we see on our roads originate from Apapa?

yarimo:
Everyone in rivers state and the FCT is happy to have WIKE as FCT minister

integrity16:
Is that even a question? you know in your hearts of hearts what he should be doing.

I don't have to speak truth to power because power knows the truth.

SeeWahala:
Okay, no problem. Road is good, I agree . . .

BUT

What good are your new roads when

1. People would get kidnapped on them daily

2. Transportation costs would not be friendlier than it was before the construction began or ended.

3. Nigerians using cars on old adjacent roads will still be battling with dangerously deep potholes and the pedestrians will be getting splashed with mud while dodging puddles or walking in the gutters themselves

4. Let me not think of those tolls or checkpoints that will not hinder lawlessness but encourage delays due to motorists paying 'roja' or newly recruited agberos

I sincerely wish government pauses on these roads and instead focused on industries next. We a e enough roads already and only need more types of goods moving along them feom left to right (especially export). Why must 95% of the good we see on our roads originate from Apapa?

Mubiola360:
you talk as if the government isnt doing anything aside road.
Did you know that the senante, Service chief and the NEC have work on modalities to bring about forest guards, two fighter helicopters were just deliveted to assist in the fight against insurgency, Education has been made attractive in the north so the people can begin to think smart, Agriculture is encouraged to bring income and many more. Don't just focus on bad bad all the time ,loosen up man.

crossbreedwears:
I really don't know sir. Please enlighten me

integrity16:
If you don't know, then forget about it.