FCT MINISTER INSPECTS KEY PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY, HAILS QUALITY AND TIMELY DELIVERY
– DISMISSES CLAIMS OF MISUSED AREA COUNCIL FUNDS
By: Rabi Musa Umar and Wisdom Acka
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on critical infrastructure projects across the Territory, saying that they will be ready for commissioning during the third-year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 after an inspection tour of three sites: the Body of Benchers annex complex, the road linking Baze and Nile Universities and the road to Tugan Madaki community from Bill Clinton drive, Barr Wike said the projects reflect the Administration’s commitment to opening up satellite towns as directed by Mr. President.
The Minister specifically stated that all the projects inspected were almost completed and will be among those slated for inauguration to mark the President’s third anniversary in office and commended the contractors.
“Well, today is a very good day. The work at the Body of Benchers office annex is 95% completed, furnished. We are happy with what we have seen, the quality of the job”, the Minister stated.
He added that the adjoining road constructed by CCECC had also been completed and was being fitted with streetlights. “And like I said, that road will be part of the roads that will be inaugurated in this third year anniversary of Mr. President. Also, we believe the Body of Benchers office annex will also be inaugurated.”
Speaking on the road to Tungan Madaki community, off Bill Cliton Drive, the Minister noted that major works were done. “The road has been completed, the bridge has been done, they are now laying the asphalt. I believe before the end of the week, in one week’s time they will have completed the asphalt work, and they are already putting the street light”, he added.
Barr. Wike further said that the expansion of road from Tugan Madaki Community into Zuba was a milestone for community development which he was particularly happy about.
He said, “My greatest happiness is that we have also started the road going into Zuba. In a sense, the entire of these communities will be opened and that is what development is all about, opening up the satellite areas as directed by Mr. President”.
Commending the contractors, he said: “Very good quality job, I am so impressed with the job and the timely completion. I commend the contractors for fulfilling their promise that they will complete this job on time. Not only that it is a quality job, but that they were completed on time, so I am very happy”.
Responding to concerns that the FCTA was providing infrastructure while Area Council chairmen were not utilizing their allocations, the Minister dismissed the claims as unfounded.
He said, “I don’t know about that, I did not elect them. Those who elected them should take action… Let us be candid ourselves, how much do they get? And how much is the money for payment of teachers’ salaries? So, it is not correct that the money given to them is not being utilized”.
Illustrating the financial pressure on the councils, the Minister said, “Take for example, how much does Kuje Area Council get in a month? And what is the salary bill for the teachers? I’m not talking about other civil servants, just for the teachers alone for the primary schools, how much? So, I don’t think so. I do not believe that money given to them is not utilized.”
Responding to a question on the ongoing PDP primaries, Barr. Wike said the party had concluded its screening and primaries are ongoing with INEC’s presence, and dismissed reports of any other valid parallel screening at the Transcorp Hilton.
The Minister said, “I don’t know about any other side. All I know is that we have completed our screening. The primaries are going on and INEC was present in all the primaries. Let us wait and let them hold their primaries. People are very fraudulent I have always said.
