Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has voiced strong dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work on the Outer Southern Expressway II (OSEX II) to Wasa road project. The Minister expressed his displeasure during a site inspection on Friday, September 27, 2024, following what he described as misleading reports on the project’s progress.
Speaking to Truth Live News and other reputable journalists after inspecting the 15-kilometer Left-Hand Carriageway from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction, Barrister Wike did not hold back his frustration, noting that the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, had earlier promised to deliver the project by December 2024 but is now projecting a completion date of May 2025.
“I am not encouraged,” the visibly upset Minister said. “Yesterday my attention was drawn to this road when I went to inspect the Apo-Karshi Road, which took us through Wasa. I tried to find out where the company, CGC, is working. CGC is one of the respected companies as far as I am concerned, but as far as this road is concerned, I am not happy.”
Wike, who visited the site along with officials from the FCT Development Authority (FCDA) and CGC, said he was glad he came to see the situation firsthand. “I summoned the FCDA and CGC yesterday to come here today to see things for ourselves, not just rely on reports of progress,” he added. “There was no equipment here when I passed yesterday, but I believe because I said I was coming today, they have mobilized equipment. These are things I will not accept.”
According to Wike, the FCT Administration has already paid more than 80 percent of the contract value, but in his assessment, less than 50 percent of the work has been completed. He directed the FCDA’s Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, to sit down with CGC and revise the work plan to ensure timely completion.
“CGC has told us they are going to complete this work by May,” Wike stated. “Well, let them show their commitment that by May they will hand over this project. That’s the only way I will accept it. And you know this road is very important. When completed, it will help decongest traffic and boost economic activities.”
Reiterating his stance on non-performing contractors, the Minister made it clear that the FCT Administration will not tolerate any lapses in project delivery. “We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. If you don’t perform, we kick you out. There is no sentiment about it. Whether you are an indigenous contractor or a foreign contractor, we don’t care. All we are concerned about is the work. If you do the work, we go along with you. If you don’t, we kick you out and make you pay for it. There will be sanctions.”
Also present during the inspection were senior FCTA officials, the CGC team led by Deputy Managing Director Mr. Lv Haiming, and other representatives of the FCDA. The Minister stressed the importance of routine inspections to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, emphasizing that relying solely on reports will not yield the desired results.
The statement was undersigned by Anthony Ogunleye, the Director of Press to the Minister.