WIKE PLEDGES MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE SHIFT IN FCT BY 2026

 …AS HE FLAGS OFF THE CONSTRUCTION OF COLLECTOR ROAD CN2 IN KATAMPE DISTRICT

By: Rabi Umar-Musa

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom, has promised FCT residents that the upcoming year will usher in a massive infrastructure shift, unlike anything witnessed since the FCT was created.

The Minister pledged on Thursday, October 9, 2025, during the flagging off of the construction of Collector Road CN2 in Katampe District, a vital project aimed at opening up the Gishiri area.

Barr. Wike noted the significance of the timing, as the FCT attains its golden age of 50 years by February next year, and pledged that it will “be a different year altogether that will really see massive infrastructure turnaround in the FCT, something nobody has seen since FCT was created”.

Speaking on the Collector Road CN2 road project, the FCT Minister recalled that after the commissioning of the Gishiri interchange and dualization project in June, he urged the contractor, Chinese Geoengineering Construction (CGC), to begin the linking of the road even before the contract was formally awarded, to ensure the project’s maximum impact.

He commended the contractor for demonstrating faith in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying, “To the glory of God, they went ahead. Now we are in the process of awarding the contract and look at what they are doing. I want to commend CGC for having that trust and confidence in the government of President Tinubu”.

The Minister also stated that the road project, along with others, is earmarked for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary, adding that its completion is expected to significantly appreciate the value of real estate in the area, thereby allowing economic activities to thrive.

“This is one of the projects we have earmarked for Mr. President to inaugurate on his third anniversary celebration, and I know they will not fail us”, he stated.

Noting that the CGC is also executing other major FCT projects, including the water supply project in Karu, Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari, as well as the dualization of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), which is an eight-lane road leading to Apo/Wasa District, Barr. Wike urged the company to continue utilizing local content, providing employment opportunities for FCT residents. He also solicited the support of residents to ensure the timely completion of the project 

The FCT Minister also used the opportunity to issue a renewed warning about potential sabotage and vandalism targeting the “Light-Up Abuja” program, a project aimed at enhancing security across the city. He cited a recent incident where lights were out on the Airport Road despite repeated warnings, and urged the CGC, which is also involved in the lighting project, not to be discouraged by the acts of sabotage, which, he said, were intended to distract the administration.

“I urge you not to relent. There may be some sabotage, including vandalism, but know that all those things are just to distract us. I can assure you that my team and I are very determined. If there is one project we must achieve, it is the light-up Abuja”, Barr. Wike said.

Earlier, while delivering the vote of thanks, the Acting Head of Service, FCTA, Madam Grace Sabanti Nathan, thanked President Tinubu for his continuous support, which, she said, was enabling the FCT to deliver on the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

She also extended gratitude to the National Assembly for its unwavering support for the FCT Administration and thanked the FCT Minister for his pragmatic and dynamic leadership, which had visibly changed the landscape of the FCT.

In his project overview, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, said that the Collector Road CN2 was an inter-district road that connected Mabushi District to Katampe District, thereby facilitating movement within the various neighbourhoods of the districts.

He said the road, which started from Ahmadu Bello Way, near the Next Cash and Carry Junction, continued as a crescent connecting back to N11 by the Mabushi Bus Terminal. He added that the road further extends into Katampe District up to N16 Junction by Gishiri Village, connecting the Wole Soyinka Way and Shehu Shagari Way.

Engr. Dauda explained that construction work on the road, which totals 3.8km, includes earthworks, surface water drainage system, roadworks to asphalt pavement, water distribution network, ducts for power and telecommunication, as well as street lighting.

He revealed that when completed, the road will improve accessibility of residents within the districts, reduce travel time, enhance the overall development of Katampe District, and improve security, among other economic benefits.

 Committing to the project, the Deputy Managing Director, China Geo-engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Limited, Mr Lv Haiming, commended the Honourable Minister of the FCT for his concern for the people of Abuja. Highlighting the need to prioritize road construction, Haiming said roads were necessary to create wealth. He therefore pledged to complete the project in eight months, expressing the hope that the road would bring more wealth and opportunities to the local people, while assuring that at least 500 job opportunities would spring up with the commencement of work.