Wike Issues Strong Warning to House Member Over Interference in Critical Road Project

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, sternly warned against disrupting vital infrastructure projects in the FCT, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated.

In a statement released by the Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye, on Thursday, Mr Wike conveyed his apprehension regarding reported interference in the Guzape District project, firmly emphasizing the impropriety of halting a legitimate project approved by the Federal Executive Council.

He urged contractors not to heed any stop work orders issued by unnamed House of Representatives members, emphasizing that complaints about projects should be directed to the FCT Administration rather than resorting to police intervention.

“We won’t take it lightly. It’s a public project approved by the Federal Executive Council. If there’s a complaint, it should be directed to us, not using the police to stop legitimate construction for public use,” he asserted.

Mr Wike directed the contractors to proceed with their work and not adhere to any unauthorized stoppage. He emphasized the importance of completing projects, anticipating their commissioning by the President in May.

While inspecting Road B12 in the Central Business District, the Minister noted an obstruction reportedly caused by the Central Bank of Nigeria. He pledged to write to the apex bank for its removal.

Expressing satisfaction with the ongoing project Mr Wike commended the progress in Guzape Lot 2 and the work done by Julius Berger on Roads B6 and B12. He anticipated project completions by May, emphasizing that work has consistently progressed since the President’s tenure.

“We are very happy with what we saw in Guzape Lot 2, which is very vast and the contractor is confident of meeting the deadline and we believe they are going to accomplish it.”

“Coming to the B6 and B12 area, we are happy with the work done by Julius Berger and just like you heard, the representative of the company has said that by May, they will hand it over.”

“By and large, we are very happy with what we are seeing and you can attest to the fact that since Mr. President came on board, no work has stopped in all the sites. There are so many of the sites but it will be difficult to take all at the same time. But we believe after May, before December too, some other projects will be handed over to members of the public,” he said. 

Addressing concerns about the Asokoro road project, Mr Wike expressed disappointment at the perceived slow pace of work. He emphasized the importance of visible progress, urging contractors to demonstrate seriousness in their assignments.

He underscored the commitment to awarding contracts with sufficient financial backing and called for tangible improvements in ongoing projects.

“I have on my gone round, I don’t see any meaningful work going on. I didn’t want to tell you that I would be coming so that you would go and mobilize and be doing as if work was going on. For the past week, I’ve been going around on my own where you put road signs on road traffic management and there is no single equipment there.”

“You put those signs on road traffic management and then you think that work is going on. You get there, you don’t see one piece of equipment. That is deceitful. I said I had to call them and let them tell me where the jobs were gg on. Nobody collects mobilization and then you don’t show seriousness.”

“I have always said before and I will continue to say it. We will not award contracts when we don’t have money. Any contract award since I came on board has cash back up. I’m not talking about before. I’m talking about since the inception of this Tinubu’s government. There is no need for awarding contracts when there is no cashback up.”

“So, having mobilized you, I was thinking by now we would have seen a lot of improvements. When jobs are going on, you will notice a lot of traffic because of diversions but most of the diversions are just signs you put there maybe to say you are doing work. Maybe the equipment is parked somewhere. They are now visible. So, I would like to hear from you, about the sections each of the companies is working where they are working, and what stage they are in. I’m tired of you writing me a memo. All I want is seeing, physical presence,” he added. 

The Minister was accompanied on the tour by the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, former Senator representing FCT, Senator Philip Aduda and senior officials of the FCTA.