Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Monday inspected major road projects as Abuja marked its 50th anniversary, pledging completions to coincide with President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.
The Minister toured sites managed by Chinese firm Geoengineering Construction (CGC), including the N16 arterial road in Katampe district, the outer southern expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I to II, and a 3km access road to the Wasa informal sector hub.
The Wasa road, designed to relocate traders from the Apo mechanics village, is due by August 2026, while OSEX and N16 should be ready by May.
“I’m quite impressed with the quality of job that is being carried out by CGC,” Wike told journalists.
“We went to Gishiri Village area in Katampe… And then we went to OSEX, you can see the bridges are going on and then we went to access road network for the informal sector in Wasa District, where the Apo traders will move in.”
Reflecting on Abuja’s half-century since its designation as capital in 1976, Wike described the milestone as a “jubilee year” but favoured substance over spectacle.
“You know a lot has changed in terms of the provision of infrastructure,” he said.
“We’ve done well but we want to mark it on a low key. Mr President is two years plus in office and he has changed the landscape of Abuja.”
Minister Wike also confirmed the suspension of a planned strike by FCT workers’ union (JUAC) after talks with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“Once the Labour Congress saw things for themselves, it became clear that the administration and workers shared the same goals,” he said.
“At the end of the day, there is no winner or loser. It’s for the interest of all and Abuja to progress.”
