MINISTER REAFFIRMS DECEMBER, JANUARY DEADLINES FOR MAJOR PROJECTS
By: Wisdom Acka
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed that major infrastructure projects across the territory remain on track for completion between December this year and early January, describing the developments a planned “Christmas gift” from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Abuja residents.
Speaking on Wednesday, 23 September, 2026, after an extensive inspection tour of five key project sites across the capital, the Minister expressed confidence in the progress recorded by various construction firms.
After inspecting work on Road S1 in Kaura District, handled by Infiouest, the ministerial delegation proceeded to the N5 project in Life Camp, handled by Julius Berger, where the manager assured the minister that the project and its adjoining roads would also be completed by December.
Inspecting the Arterial Road N16 Gwarinpa in Gwarinpa, managed by CCECC Global, a project featuring complex bridges across tough terrain, the Minister noted that despite initial doubts regarding the site’s challenging topography, the company committed to a final delivery date no later than the first week of January next year.
He also inspected the rehabilitation of IBB International Golf Course, where he revealed that the facility was shut down following internal disputes among members.
Wike disclosed that a steering committee, led by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mense, was constituted to resolve the crisis, while Julius Berger was brought back to rehabilitate the facility following explicit directives from President Tinubu.
With work progressing rapidly, the Minister assured that the facility will be fully restored in time to host its scheduled tournament in November and reopen for general use, serving both residents and members of the diplomatic community.
Replying to questions regarding budget execution and funding concerns, Wike clarified that the implementation of the 2026 capital budget is progressing steadily despite initial delays.
He disclosed that the administration has already achieved over 60 percent execution of the 2026 capital budget, noting that funds released following executive assent allowed major contractors like Julius Berger to mobilize fully back to site.
The Minister dismissed ongoing political debates surrounding FCT borrowing, describing them as election-season distractions.
He urged political office seekers to focus on presenting their achievements and platforms to the electorate rather than criticizing necessary fiscal processes, adding that FCT residents remain focused on tangible infrastructural development.
Clarifying recent controversies stemming from a media interview about political arrangements during the 2023 general elections, Wike defended his former political group’s strategic choices.
He maintained that political campaigns require deliberate strategies to neutralize major opponents, dismissing social media reports and claims of election manipulation as mischievous distortions.
Wike emphasized that true political strength relies on direct engagement at the polling units and genuine popular support on the ground rather than online commentary.
The Minister reiterated that the primary mandate of the current FCTA remains the timely execution of high-impact infrastructure to enhance economic activity and mobility for all residents across the Federal Capital Territory.
