Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a recent press release, the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, emphasized his strong stance against any disruption of ongoing infrastructure projects within the FCT.
During an inspection tour, he issued a stern warning to contractors, contractors and contractors not to heed unauthorized stop-work orders.
In a statement made available to Truth Live News, the Minister particularly highlighted an incident in the Guzape District where a House of Representatives member, allegedly using security agents, attempted to halt the Guzape 1 Lot 2 District infrastructure project.
Barrister Wike deemed such actions unacceptable, emphasizing that legitimate projects approved by the Federal Executive Council should not be interfered with.
Expressing his dissatisfaction, he stated, “We are not going to take it lightly. This is not a private project. It’s a public project being handled by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.” Barrister Wike urged those with complaints to address them directly with the FCTA instead of resorting to police intervention.
The Minister, after an inspection of the ongoing Road B12 in the Central Business District, also addressed an obstruction allegedly caused by the Central Bank of Nigeria. He declared his intention to write to the apex bank to ensure the removal of the obstruction.
Despite these challenges, Barrister Wike expressed overall satisfaction with the progress of various projects.
He specifically praised the work done by Gilmor Engineering on the Guzape Diplomatic Zone infrastructure project and commended Julius Berger Plc for their efforts on Road B12. The Minister optimistically anticipated the completion of these projects by May.
However, not all was positive during the tour. The Minister expressed disappointment at the slow pace of the rehabilitation and resurfacing of roads in the Asokoro District. He conveyed his displeasure at the lack of visible progress despite contractors being mobilized.
Barrister Wike, emphasizing financial prudence, stated, “We will not award contract when we don’t have money. Any contract award since I came on board has cash backup.” He urged contractors to demonstrate visible progress and physical presence, expressing dissatisfaction with mere road signs indicating work without substantial equipment deployment.
The Minister was accompanied on the tour by key officials, including the Executive Secretary of FCDA, Engr Shehu Hadi Ahmed, former Senator Philip Aduda, and senior FCTA officials.