Wike Inspects Work Progress In FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, inspected the access roads under construction leading to the different train stations in the FCT..

During the routine inspection of ongoing projects in the FCT, Wike led a tour to evaluate the quality and pace of work.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the various sites visited. He also mentioned that the FCT Administration is working round the clock to ensure that the Abuja metro line becomes operational by May this year..

He emphasized that the access roads are crucial to make the train stations accessible to the residents of FCT and the communities where they are located. Once completed, these projects will help to reduce traffic congestion within the city.

“Most importantly, you remember that we are working day and night to see that the promise we made to Mr President and the residents of Abuja that by May, Mr President should be able to ride on the metro line. But that is not the only key thing. We must have access roads to the various stations because if you do not create access roads for the communities that would be using this metro line in the various stations, then the aim is defeated.” the minister stated.

The Minister clarified the funding process for the projects, citing the existence of several competing interests. He revealed that the funds were made available through an emergency allocation in the FCT’s budget from the National Supplementary Budget. The Ministry of Finance had already released 50% of the funds.He added that the FCT Administration will also make provision in the 2024 statutory budget to complement the allocation from the national budget.

Wike therefore urged the contractors to expedite action, assuring that outstanding liabilities would be paid.

On the settlements along the access road to the Basanjiwa train station, the Minister said that adequate compensation had also been paid to the original inhabitants, following the evaluation of the affected areas, and the removal of the structures had also commenced.

The Minister noted that the construction of the access road to the Basanjiwa train station would involve additional work on the Bill Clinton Road leading to the International Airport. Due to the magnitude of the work that would be taking place in the area, the Minister appealed for the support of key stakeholders at the airport, including FAAN and NEMA.

During the inspection, the FCT Minister also visited the ongoing construction of a single-lane expressway from the Idu Industrial layout to Zuba. It was explained that the project’s progress was delayed by a rail crossing and would require the Ministry of Transport’s permission before work could continue..