PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS KARU WATER NETWORK
…Reiterates commitment to provide essential services to underserved communities
By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the Karu Satellite Town Water Supply Network in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), extending potable water to thousands of residents in Karu, Orozo, Jikwoyi, Kurudu and adjoining communities as part of efforts to improve living conditions in satellite towns.
The President commissioned the project on Monday, 22nd June, 2026 and said the project represents more than the delivery of infrastructure, describing it as the fulfilment of the government’s commitment to provide essential services to underserved communities.
The President, who was represented Vice President Kashim Shettima, said his administration was determined to ensure that governance translates into tangible benefits for citizens, particularly those living on the outskirts of the nation’s capital.
“We are here not just to cut a ribbon but to breathe life into a fundamental human right. Today, we declare that the era of neglect of satellite communities is over,” he said.
The President recalled that during the commissioning of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project in 2025, he had promised that the project’s benefits would extend beyond the city centre to satellite towns.
“We promised that governance will no longer be a theoretical exercise confined to the boardroom of the city centres, while our people in the peripheries lack basic amenities”
According to him, the administration fulfilled that promise by approving and funding the Karu Water Supply Project, which CGC Nigeria Limited executed.
He disclosed that the project delivered over 194 kilometres of secondary and tertiary pipeline networks, bringing treated and potable water directly to homes and businesses in Karu and surrounding communities.
President Tinubu commended FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike for what he described as exceptional leadership and execution capacity, noting that the transformation taking place across the FCT in roads, transportation, healthcare, education, housing and water infrastructure demonstrates the impact of purposeful governance.
He urged residents to protect the facilities from vandalism and illegal connections, stressing that public infrastructure must be safeguarded for future generations.
“As we celebrate the third anniversary of this administration and the 50th anniversary of the creation of the FCT, let this project serve as a blueprint for inclusive development. We are replicating this project in Bwari and other area councils. Our commitment to urban renewal and rural integration is absolute,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the project was completed in less than one year following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the FCT Administration and CGC Nigeria Limited in September 2024.
He attributed the speedy completion of the project to President Tinubu’s support and the timely release of funds.
“Because of the President’s directive for early release of funds captured in the national budget, today, in less than one year, you have come back to commission the provision of water in Karu,” Wike said.
The Minister explained that the project forms part of the administration’s deliberate strategy to ensure that residents of satellite towns enjoy the same level of development as those living in the city centre.
According to him, water projects are currently being implemented in both Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Bwari Area Council, which is expected to be commissioned on July 14.
He noted that Karu has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the FCT and deserves critical infrastructure capable of supporting its expanding population.
Wike also disclosed that President Tinubu would return to Karu later in the month to commission several road projects completed within the area.
In her remarks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a landmark achievement that would significantly improve public health, sanitation and the quality of life of residents.
She noted that access to clean water remains one of the most important indicators of human development and commended President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for prioritising investments that directly impact the welfare of citizens.
“Today is not just about commissioning a public utility; it is about delivering hope, improving public health and enhancing the quality of life of our people,” she said.
Providing a technical overview of the project, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the contract for the construction and expansion of the Karu water supply network was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited in August 2025.
He explained that the project aligns with the provisions of the FCT Master Plan, which seeks to provide critical infrastructure in satellite towns where a significant percentage of FCT residents live and work.
According to him, the scope of work included the installation of approximately 190 kilometres of high-density polyethene pipes ranging from 63 millimetres to 630 millimetres in diameter, as well as more than 113 valves and other associated facilities.
Dauda said the project draws water from the existing Karu reservoir and extends supply to previously underserved communities, including Kurudu, Jikwoyi and Orozo.
“The successful completion of this project marks a significant advancement in the provision of potable water to residents of Karu and neighbouring communities and will improve both public health and socio-economic development,” he said.
