The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has made a firm commitment to completing the ongoing projects in the capital city of Abuja within the next few months. During a recent inspection tour of these projects, Minister Wike emphasized the importance of their timely completion.
Among the projects visited was the Vice President’s residence, which has been awarded since 2010. Another project inspected was the residence of the presiding officers of the National Assembly, located near the National Assembly complex, and awarded in 2009. Minister Wike, accompanied by Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the Minister of State for FCT, and Mr. Adesola Olusade, the Permanent Secretary of FCT Administration, also visited the construction site of the Millennium Tower in the Central Area of Abuja.
The Millennium Tower is an impressive multifunctional structure that will serve as a hub for cultural exposition, tourism, socialization, recreation, hospitality, and commercial activities. Minister Wike expressed his determination to deliver these projects, and in cases where the Ministry cannot meet the deadlines, he pledged to seek assistance from President Bola Tinubu.
Minister Wike recognized the significance of the road connecting the city gate to Constitution Avenue, deeming it a “crucial infrastructure” that will transform the landscape of Abuja. He revealed that the construction company has assured the delivery of this project within the next seven months if adequate funds are provided. Additionally, Julius Berger, a renowned construction company, has promised to complete the renovation of the Federal Secretariat within the next seven to eight months.
“I want to assure you that the two projects will be completed within the next six to seven months,” Minister Wike affirmed.
Regarding the Vice President’s residence and the presiding officers’ residence, Minister Wike mentioned his intention to report to President Tinubu to discuss the way forward for these projects. He also emphasized the potential of the Millennium Tower to transform Abuja into a captivating destination for tourists and families.
“We know we will face some challenges, and we are here to solve them. If there were no problems, President Tinubu would not have tasked us with this responsibility,” Minister Wike stated.
Furthermore, Minister Wike acknowledged the financial constraints hampering project progress. He expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Minister of State for FCT and the Permanent Secretary of FCTA to restructure the funding approach for some projects. To resolve the issue of prolonged timelines, he proposed assigning specific funds to individual projects instead of allocating N500 million yearly to a project worth over N150 billion.
“If we continue with this approach, it means that the project cannot be completed for the next 20 years. So, what is the benefit of wasting public funds?” Minister Wike questioned.
FCTA PRESS RELEASE
FCT MINISTER PLEDGES TO COMPLETE ONGOING PROJECTS IN THE FCT
…EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER SPATE OF ABANDONED PROJECTS, POOR FUNDING pic.twitter.com/vmFUbCHiHx
— Official FCTA (@OfficialFCTA) August 25, 2023
NAN/PIAK
