FCT MINISTER FLAGS OFF ARTERIAL ROAD N1 CONSTRUCTION FROM WUYE TO RING ROAD II

…Says he is committed to delivering critical infrastructure

…Orders Payment of doctors’ allowance

By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that will enhance connectivity and boost economic activities in the FCT.

He gave the assurance at the flag-off of the construction of the Arterial Road N1 linking Wuye District to Ring Road II, on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

The Minister declared that the project is not just about road expansion but about improving the lives of residents and positioning the city of Abuja to compete with other world-class cities.

Responding to reports of planned demonstrations over his focus on road projects, rather than the health sector, Barr. Wike said protest was a democratic right but stressed that the roads were for the collective benefit of Abuja residents.

“I have heard that some people want to demonstrate because we are focusing on roads. Demonstration is allowed everywhere; nobody will blackmail me, nobody will stop me from doing what I think is right, and doing it at the right time. This road is not my road; it is not Wike’s road, it is not Tinubu’s Road. It is a road that will open up economic activities and improve the welfare of the people here,” he said.

Barr Wike, while reacting to claims of a dearth of doctors and the need for improvement of health facilities, revealed that the 2025 capital budget for the health sector which was received in July has a provision of 25 billion Naira and added that he had directed the Permanent Secretary of the Treasury Department to ensure that due allowances for the doctors are paid. He said that he had equally instructed the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission to expedite pending employment processes of doctors.

Barr Wike, who revealed that he is committed to doing his job as Minister, assured residents that his mandate is to deliver results, not excuses. He thereafter charged the Mandate Secretaries to deliver on the mandate assigned to them equally.

Regarding street lighting along the project corridor, the minister disclosed that, unlike previous practices, the contractors who install the new lights will also be responsible for their maintenance to cut cost.

On safeguarding the facilities Minister revealed that the new streetlights are designed to send signals to security agencies once touched, to prevent vandalism and theft.

He charged the Arab Contractors also, handling the Airport–Kuje Road, to ensure its completion on time for commissioning during the President’s third year in office, while hinting at the imminent commissioning of the FCT Court of Appeal Division.

The Minister, therefore, urged FCT residents to continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which will, in turn, help him do his job effectively.

Acting Head of Service of the FCT, Nancy Nathan, expressed appreciation to the President for his support of the FCT Administration and Minister for prioritising infrastructure development, noting that the project would significantly ease traffic flow and improve the daily lives of commuters.

Presenting the project overview, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Dauda described the project as a vital continuation of the city’s arterial road network.

He said the dual carriageway, designed as a six-lane road, would connect Wuye, Jabi, Utako and Dakibyu Districts, resolving major traffic bottlenecks and creating jobs for youths in the area.

Abuja Digest reports that the project is expected to provide seamless connectivity, create employment opportunities, and enhance socio-economic growth in the Federal Capital Territory.