FCDA TO REDIRECT TRAFFIC AS TINUBU KICKSTARTS PROJECT COMMISSIONING WITH OSEX – WIKE
By: Wisdom Acka and Immaculate Hwange
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has conducted a final inspection of key projects slated for presidential commissioning this week, declaring that the administration fully prepared and expressing visible satisfaction with the completed works.
The Minister, while fielding questions from journalists after the project tour on Monday, 8 June 2026, confirmed that President Bola Tinubu will commence the commissioning series on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX).
“You can see we are very set; you can see the smiles on our faces,” Wike stated, highlighting the readiness of the projects.
The itinerary, as outlined by the Minister, will see the President commission the N5 Road, which is the Life Camp dual carriageway on Wednesday, June 10, which will be followed by the Airport to Kuje Road on Thursday, June 11.
He attributed the timely delivery to the contractors’ adherence to schedules, specifically commending CGC, Arab Contractors, and Julius Berger for their roles. “What’s important to us is that we have been able to achieve the timeline,” he stated.
The commissioning spree will extend to Friday, June 12, with the official opening of the newly completed residences for the Court of Appeal Judges’, described by the Minister as “quite satisfactory.”
Amidst the preparations, the Minister addressed public concerns regarding the delayed operationalization of the Abuja Bus Terminal, commissioned nearly a year ago.
He called for patience, explaining that the handover to a private operator must follow due government procurement processes, which have now been approved.
“Government process is not easy. Bureaucracy is involved… Why do you think the government will expend so much money and then not put such a place in use?” Wike argued, revealing that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has granted approval, and the managing contractor is currently assembling the necessary fleet of buses and taxis for eventual takeoff.
When questioned about potential presidential visits to the Area Councils, Wike confirmed, “Very much.” However, citing security protocols, he declined to provide specific details or dates, stating: “For security reasons, we won’t tell you… What is important is that he will visit.”
Acknowledging the traffic implications of the high-profile events, the Minister confirmed that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) would issue traffic advisories to help residents plan their movements during the commissioning ceremonies.
Reflecting on the achievements, Wike deflected personal credit, attributing the success to presidential support. “This is one of the very happy moments of this administration; it has nothing to do with me. The credit must go to Mr. President,” he said.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to continuity, stating that a key leadership quality is “the ability to complete those projects” initiated by predecessors.
The Minister concluded by expressing satisfaction with the positive reception from residents, stating, ‘Above all, we’re very happy that the residents are so happy that we’re able to attain these feats.”
Abuja Digest reports that the Wike-led FCT Administration has lined up 31 projects for commissioning to commemorate President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary.
