No excuses” for June deadline on key Abuja projects completion- Wike warns Contractors

Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned that there no room for excuses for June completion deadline for key Abuja projects.

Wike particularly reminded contractors handling such projects across the nation’s capital, as timelines are non-negotiable.

Speaking during an extensive project inspection on Wednesday, the Minister warned that all infrastructure slated for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anniversary celebrations must be ready for commissioning by June.

​While expressing overall satisfaction with the quality of construction, he didn’t hold back when addressing delays.

He specifically called out a contractor in the Wuse District, rejecting a proposed extension of their timeline.

​“We agreed that by the end of May or June that job will be delivered, but what we heard today is different. I’m not going to accept that. I have directed that by the second week of June, that project must be handed over”, he stated.

​The Minister emphasized that these inspections are vital for accountability, ensuring that work doesn’t just look good on paper but is progressing physically on the ground.

Furthermore, he praised several high-performing sites: “N16 Interchange “top quality,” the contractor has assured it will be ready for the upcoming inauguration;  institutions and Research Centre is on track and meeting schedule.

“​Tunga Madaki Bridge: A critical link from Bill Clinton Drive (Airport Road) to local communities. This project was initiated following the construction of the second runway by the Ministry of Aviation.”

Wike revealed a major expansion plan to link Bill Clinton Drive directly to Zuba, saying pocurement and community compensation processes are already underway to open up this corridor, furthering the administration’s goal of developing satellite towns.