FCT MINISTER DIRECTS THE EXTENSION OF 10KM OUTER SOUTHERN EXPRESSWAY (OSEX) TO WASA JUNCTION

…DISMISSES CRITICISMS OVER LAND ALLOCATION POLICIES

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate extension of the 10km Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) main carriageways from the Ring Road II Junction (Apo) to the Wasa Junction to ensure the full completion of the arterial network and provide seamless connectivity for residents and businesses.

The Minister gave this directive on Thursday, May 7, 2026 during a routine inspection of vital infrastructure projects slated for inauguration during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the tour, Barr. Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, particularly on the OSEX bridge, stressing that he has directed the FCDA Executive Secretary to ensure the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Construction (CGC), completes the project in full.

He said, “I have instructed the Executive Secretary that from where this OSEX road will stop at Ring Road II junction, they should take it to the end of the OSEX at Wasa junction, which is about 10 Kilometers, so that people will be very happy that at the end of the day, this administration has been able to complete the OSEX carriageway. This is another promise made and another promise fulfilled”, the Minister said.

Providing updates on the observed progress at the various sites, including the Collector Road CN2 in Katampe district, streets within the Gaduwa District, the OSEX highway, and the Wasa Informal Sector site, Barr. Wike expressed massive satisfaction with the level of completion and commitment of the contractors.

He commended the progress of work on the Collector Road CN2 in Katampe District which he noted was nearly 100% complete with streetlights and walkways already being installed.

On the Wasa District designated relocation site for the Apo Mechanic traders, the Minister disclosed that the project was nearly completed, describing the move as the fulfillment of a long-standing promise that had stalled for over a decade.

“Apo Mechanic relocation has been a thorny issue since the inception of this FCT. But thank God, under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is no longer just a promise; it is now a fulfilled promise… We have provided the infrastructure needed. It’s just for them to come in and set up”, Barr. Wike stated,

He said the Wasa informal sector would significantly expand the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base as businesses begin operations in the newly developed area.

The Minister also confirmed progress on the critical satellite town water projects in Karu and Bwari, expressing confidence that the project would be delivered by the end of May. He lauded the resilience of the contractor for maintaining high quality and meeting deadlines despite the FCT Administration’s outstanding financial obligations to the firm.

Addressing recent media criticisms regarding the allocation of land to Ambassadors-designate, Barr. Wike once more dismissed claims that the move was a misplaced priority. He reminded critics, including some media houses, that land allocation is a standard government function for those contributing to the nation’s economic and diplomatic interests.

“We always say, when you are living in a glass house, don’t throw stones. What is so difficult about giving other Nigerians land where they can also carry out activities and make money?”, Barr. Wike queried, stressing that the government has also allocated land to major media organizations to set up headquarters and carry out profit-driven business.

He said, “You cannot question the rationale that government allocated land to ambassadors. You say it’s a misplacement of priority, that there are poor people who should get. But you didn’t say this when land was also allocated to you”.

The Minister further dismissed reports that government sells land in the FCT, explaining that the fees usually paid following allocation of land is for documentation and C of O. “Nobody buys land from the FCTA. When land is allocated, you pay the government to get your C of O. Even the ambassadors, will also pay something to government.”.

Clarifying government’s recent actions regarding the Jabi Lake area, the Minister revealed that the FCTA had to intervene after land allottees failed to develop the site for over 20 years.

He said, “That place was allocated about 20 years ago and the allottees refused to carry out the development as agreed. They said they will make it a world class entertainment centre, tourism and all kinds of things and it was not done.

“Government said we can’t allow this. It is a very good area for investors to come, and investors have come, and they have signed agreements. We have signed the memorandum of understanding and we gave them conditions. If they don’t carry out development within the specified period, government will take back the land”.

The Minister stressed that he would “always stand by the truth,” maintaining that the FCTA would prioritize realistic urban development and investment over playing to the gallery.