Abuja Set for Major Transformation as Wike Prepares to Commission Key Infrastructure Projects

In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s capital city, Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has confirmed that several key infrastructure projects in Abuja are ready for commissioning this week. On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Minister led an inspection tour across multiple project sites, joined by Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) engineers, reporters, and contractors.

Visibly pleased after touring the sites, Wike credited God for the strength and clarity to complete the projects and expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“At a time when people say things are difficult, we have delivered critical infrastructure to the people. This is one of the happiest moments of my life,” Wike declared.

The Minister emphasized that the success was not due to abundant resources, but to visionary leadership, focused execution, and strict accountability.

“It’s not about having all the resources in the world, but the ability to manage what you have wisely. That’s what makes the difference,” he said.

He also addressed Nigeria’s persistent bureaucratic bottlenecks, noting that clear directives and firm expectations can realign systems to deliver results.

“You talk about bureaucracy of course it’s a problem. But once you make your objectives clear and refuse to accept mediocrity, people will key in,” Wike noted.

The ministerial team inspected several major projects, including:

• Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) – executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc

• The upgraded International Conference Centre (ICC) – now renovated to world-class standards

• OSEX II 15km Road – linking Apo and Wasa districts

• Arterial Road N16 – stretching from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway to Wole Soyinka Way

Wike praised the contractors for meeting deadlines and adhering to quality standards.

“We have personally supervised these projects. I can confirm that all contractors have done what they were contracted to do,” he said.

In a notable shift from tradition, Wike announced that the same contractor, Julius Berger, that built the ICC will be responsible for its long-term maintenance, eliminating political interference and third-party mismanagement.

“Anyone who wants to use the facility will pay, and that money will go directly to upkeep and maintenance,” he stressed.

He added that local staff have already received training to manage and operate the new technologies installed in the facilities.

“The people working there are Nigerians. What matters is capacity-building and supervision.”

Wike assured residents that following the official commissioning later this week, full-scale operations across the newly completed infrastructures will begin immediately, bringing much-needed relief to commuters and boosting Abuja’s economic activity.