RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE KEY TO BOOSTING FCT ECONOMY, REDUCING URBAN MIGRATION-WIKE
By: Prudence Okonna
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to developing rural and satellite communities through strategic infrastructure projects, particularly road construction.
Speaking on Wednesday March 18, 2026, after an inspection tour of ongoing projects across satellite towns in the FCT, Wike emphasized that expanding infrastructure beyond the city centre is a directive from the Presidency aimed at driving economic growth and easing congestion in the FCT.
The minister visited several key road projects, including the 13-kilometre Karu road, the Apo-Karshi road, the Bwari-Kubwa road currently undergoing emergency construction, and the Gbazango (Arab Road) in Kubwa. He noted that improving access to these areas would unlock economic opportunities and discourage rural-urban migration.
“The President has made it clear that development should not be concentrated only in the city,” Wike said. “When satellite towns are properly connected, economic activities will increase, and people will have fewer reasons to move into the city.”
Reflecting on the progress of the projects, Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work delivered by contractors such as Zeberced Nigeria Ltd, Arab Contractors, and Abdul Val Construction Company Ltd. He commended their technical expertise and expressed confidence that the projects would be completed on schedule.
At the Gbazango road project in Kubwa, handled by Zeberced, the minister highlighted the high construction standards, noting the use of a three-layer asphalt system measuring up to 18 centimetres in thickness. He disclosed that the road is among projects slated for inauguration during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“We are impressed with the quality of work,” Wike said. “This is one of the projects we expect to commission during the President’s third-year anniversary. It shows the government’s impact on the lives of the people.”
On the issue of regulating the real estate sector and preventing exploitation by developers, the minister dismissed calls for the creation of a new regulatory agency. He maintained that existing bodies, such as the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Development Control, are capable of addressing the challenges.
“We do not need multiple agencies,” he said. “What is important is strengthening existing institutions. We have already handled cases where developers were compelled to refund money to affected individuals.”
The minister also used the opportunity to extend goodwill to residents at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, urging unity and continued support for government initiatives.
“This is a period for unity and cooperation,” he said. “Residents should continue to support the government as we work to improve infrastructure and strengthen security across the FCT.”
Wike assured residents that ongoing efforts would not only enhance infrastructure but also improve security and overall quality of life in the territory.
