The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections will not slow the execution of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, insisting that his administration’s performance remains its strongest campaign message.
Speaking on Wednesday after inspecting major road projects in the capital, Wike said the FCT Administration would remain focused on delivering infrastructure rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
“We are already campaigning with our performance. The major campaign is to provide the dividends of democracy. What are you going to tell the people when you have nothing to show? Our campaign is showing what we have done,” he said.
The minister said governance and politics would not clash under his leadership, arguing that completed and ongoing projects across the FCT speak louder than campaign promises.
“All we have to do is go back to the people and tell them we made promises and kept them. People want to see your report card, not empty rhetoric. As far as the FCT is concerned, we have shown our report card, and we have no problem winning any election whenever INEC fixes it,” he added.
Wike spoke after inspecting the construction of Arterial Road N16 from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, linking Jahi, Gwarimpa and Karsana, being executed by CBC Global, as well as the 7.3-kilometre Tunga Madaki-Zuba Road connecting the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Expressing satisfaction with progress on the Arterial Road N16 project, Wike said the contractor had assured the FCT Administration that the road would be completed by January.
“The road is very critical. If they deliver it by January as promised, I will be highly impressed. On our part, we will ensure adequate funding because once this road is completed, the entire Gwarimpa axis will be opened up,” he said.
On the Tunga Madaki-Zuba Road, the minister commended CCECC for maintaining its record of timely project delivery, disclosing that the company had pledged to complete the project by December.
“I’m very impressed with what they are doing. The promises we made during the flag-off and commissioning of these projects are likely to be fulfilled. Despite the rains slowing earthworks, they have concentrated on drainage construction, which is progressing well,” he said.
Wike also disclosed that he had approved the relocation of electricity poles along the road corridor to pave the way for the installation of streetlights.
He praised Chinese construction firms handling major projects in the FCT for commencing work without waiting for mobilisation payments, saying the confidence stemmed from the administration’s record of meeting its contractual obligations.
“What gives us happiness with these companies, particularly the Chinese companies, is that they don’t wait for mobilisation before starting work. They know the government will pay, and funding has not been a problem. As soon as I return to the office, I will ensure that funds are made available so we can achieve what we have promised,” he said.
The minister urged the contractors to maintain the quality and pace of work, while reaffirming the FCT Administration’s commitment to providing adequate funding to ensure projects are completed on schedule.
(The Whistler)
