One major landmark project fast-tracked and completed under the President Bola Tinubu administration by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike is the newly commissioned Greater Abuja Water Supply Network, designed to significantly enhance portable water distribution across the nation’s capital city, Abuja.
The water supply project, initiated and awarded in 2017 at a cost of about $470 million, under a partnership involving the African Development Initiative and the Chinese government, with China providing 85 percent of the funding and Nigeria covering the remaining 15 percent, was commissioned by President Tinubu on Monday in an atmosphere of funfair.
Experts observe that previous efforts by the government to improve water distribution were either smaller in scale or fragmented, lacking the comprehensive scope and financing like the current initiative delivered by Minister Wike’s leadership.
In his address at the commissioning ceremony, President Tinubu commended the FCT Administration for its dedication to delivering vital infrastructure that directly impacts the lives of citizens.
President Tinubu who has often shown excitement in the performance of Minister Wike, said, the capacity in delivery exemplifies strong leadership and a deep consciousness of the people’s needs.
“This water infrastructure is not only a technical milestone; it is a moral one because it is about equity. It is about ensuring that no part of Abuja is left behind in our national developmental agenda. It’s a renewed hope,” Tinubu added.
President Tinubu used the occasion to highlight his administration’s commitment to accelerating growth, prosperity, and the delivery of reliable infrastructure, including human capacity development.
He said, “When we speak of the Renewed Hope Agenda, this is what we mean – tangible, people-focused projects that improve daily life. Water to drink, to clean, to grow, to build. That is real progress.
“We are not just laying pipes – we are laying the groundwork for healthier families, stronger communities, and a productive city.
“As your President, I remain deeply committed to accelerating infrastructure delivery, especially in critical sectors like water, power, roads, and housing. These are not only developmental goals – they are the building blocks of dignity”.
At the event, President Tinubu expressed gratitude to international partners, especially the People’s Republic of China, for their invaluable support, saying “Together, we are showing the world that partnership built on mutual respect and shared prosperity can deliver real impact”.
Tinubu urged residents and stakeholders to protect the investment, use water wisely, and collaborate with the government to ensure its sustainability.
The President also used the occasion to extend his deepest sympathies to the people of Benue State over the recent killings of about 200 people, pledging a visit to the State on Wednesday while calling for peace and harmony.
“While I sympathize with the Benue people, I’ve spoken to the Governor; the leadership and people of Benue should accept our condolences and try very consciously to maintain peace and harmony among themselves.
“I’ve always said that we are one single huge family living in the same house, in different rooms… We should be able to manage our anger and frustrations. I sympathize with those who have lost their lives. I will adjust my programme and go see Benue people on Wednesday”, President Tinubu stated.
Minister Wike, in his remarks earlier, recalled President Tinubu’s directive to prioritize the completion of the Greater Abuja Water Supply project, among others, and expressed profound appreciation to the President and the National Assembly for their consistent support.
The FCT Minister confirmed that the project, awarded in 2017 for $470 million under the Partnership of African Development Initiative, was 85 percent funded by the Chinese government, with the remaining 15 percent covered by the Federal Government and the FCT Administration for Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6.
“We want to sincerely thank you that under this administration, this job has been completed and today you are commissioning the Greater Abuja Water supply network,” Wike stated.
He also announced that procurement is underway for a new agreement with Chinese overseas construction giant, CGC, to extend water provision to rural areas and satellite communities, including Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu, and assured of its timely completion.
Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Zhang Yi, while also offering congratulatory remarks to Nigeria’s Federal Government, said the Greater Abuja Water Supply project, financed majorly by the China Exim Bank, symbolizes the strong friendship and consistent support between Nigeria and China.
He added that the completion of the project had tripled the city’s daily water capacity, providing clean and reliable drinking water to FCT residents.
In a vote of thanks, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also acknowledged President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Abuja residents and Minister Wike’s visionary leadership, asserting that the project’s completion demonstrates the federal government’s inclusive development policy.
Assistant Director of Press in the Minister’s office, Rabi Musa in a statement explained that the Greater Abuja Water Supply project involves the construction of extensive water supply pipe networks, specifically Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6, which are set to improve water access for 50 districts within the FCT, aligning with the city’s masterplan.
