Wike Promises Better 2025 For FCT Residents

1. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 conducted a routine inspection of several key infrastructure projects currently underway in the FCT.

2. Projects inspected include the 15-kilometer left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District and the 5-kilometer Saburi road.

3. Addressing journalists after the inspection, Barr. Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work across all sites. He stated that he had received assurances from the contractors that the projects would be completed within the stipulated timeframes, adding that the FCTA was also closely monitoring the quality of work, as evidenced by the routine inspection of the various construction sites.

4. The Minister said, “We were at the OSEX, which CGC is carrying out. They have assured us that they will hand over that OSEX by May. I believe them. This is not the first time they have made a promise and fulfilled it, so I have no reason to doubt them. We then went to the Court of Appeal Division of Abuja. The contractor has restated that by September 2025, by the grace of God, they will still hand over.”

5. Highlighting the successful completion of the Saburi road project, the Minister emphasized that the contractors promised to deliver the project by December 2024, and commended them for fulfilling their commitment.

6. He said similar progress was also being made on other road projects in the FCT Area Councils, and others were nearing completion. “We anticipate commissioning these projects by January, God willing,” the Minister said.

7. Addressing concerns raised by some individuals regarding the publication of the names of plot owners yet to pay their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees, the Minister clarified that the list was generated from existing records and that individuals with proof of payment would be addressed accordingly. He further stated that the grace period for land allottees to pay their C of O fees would not be extended.

8. Emphasizing the need for compliance and the importance of revenue generation for FCT’s development, he explained that some of the land allocations dated back to 10 years, adding, “We believe it is essential for individuals to fulfill their obligations. After the grace period expires, these lands will be reallocated to interested parties.”.

9. When asked about distractions and how they may affect his developmental strides in the FCT in 2025, the Minister reiterated that nothing distracts him, insisting that he remains intensely focused on achieving his mandate in the FCT.

10. He said complaints were an inherent part of governance and that it was unrealistic to expect to satisfy everyone. He said, “These complaints will not deter us from our mission. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities and achieving the best possible outcomes for most of our residents

11. Emphasizing the importance of continued progress, the Minister stressed the need to adhere to regulations in the FCT and the inevitability of demolishing illegal structures if the need arose.

12. He said the public will ultimately recognize the value of the FCTA’s difficult decisions, adding, “Our focus remains on what is right and achieving the best possible results for the majority of our residents, not for a select few.”

13. Looking ahead to 2025, the Minister expressed gratitude for the year 2024 and optimism for a more prosperous year 2025. He called upon FCT residents and business owners to continue supporting the administration’s efforts towards achieving greater development in the coming year.

14. He said, “We are grateful for the blessings of 2024 and believe that 2025 holds even greater promise. We urge residents and business owners to continue supporting our efforts as we strive to exceed our accomplishments from the previous year”.