By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the ongoing transformation of Abuja will not be stopped for 2027 general elections.
He gave the assurance during the flag -off of the construction of the Southern Parkway by CGC Nigeria Limited, on Tuesday.
Wike said the FCT Administration is keen on implementing President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda across the nation’s capital.
The minister noted that the event marked the 10th day of projects inauguration by the administration, saying governance and infrastructure development would not be sacrificed because of politics.
Wike expressed confidence that Abuja would witness unprecedented development before the end of President Tinubu’s first term in office.
The minister revealed that he had held a late-night discussion with the Deputy Managing Director of CGC Nigeria Limited to ascertain the project’s completion timeline, adding that the contractor assured him of its readiness to work round the clock, provided the government fulfilled its financial obligations.
He pledged that the FCT Administration would ensure prompt payment for the project.
The minister directed that the project be completed and ready for commissioning before January 2027, expressing optimism that the target was achievable.
Wike also used the occasion to issue a stern warning to land grabbers and developers occupying lands without valid allocation documents along the project corridor.
He directed the Department of Development Control and the Department of Lands to identify and demolish all illegal structures erected on lands not officially allocated by the government.
The minister further charged the Acting Director of Development Control to take a more active role in monitoring developments within the territory, warning that negligence would attract consequences.
According to him, strict enforcement of development regulations is necessary to prevent encroachment on government projects and ensure orderly urban growth.
The Southern Parkway is expected to enhance connectivity within the southern development corridor of Abuja and open up more areas for residential and commercial development.
“People have been asking whether projects will be abandoned because elections are approaching. The answer is no. Elections or no elections, we must continue to carry out the directives of Mr. President to change the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
“By the time Mr. President finishes his first tenure on May 29, 2027, before he is sworn in for a second tenure, the landscape of Abuja would have entirely changed, to the glory of God,” he stated.
“I assure CGC and its workers that we will not fail in performing our obligation of paying for the job. We have confidence in the company because it has consistently delivered on previous assignments,” Wike said.
