By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration is set to give the Apo-Karshi Road a new identity beyond transportation, with plans to develop tourist and recreational facilities along the corridor.
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, gave the indication on Wednesday during an inspection of the completed road, assuring residents that the administration would provide the necessary amenities to turn the area into a tourist destination.
Wike said the plan was to maximise the potential of the road by introducing facilities that would attract visitors and create additional economic activities.
He explained that the relevant departments would work together to determine and provide the facilities required, noting that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) was primarily responsible for road construction.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, describing the Apo-Karshi Road as one of the most publicised projects executed by the FCDA, given the difficult terrain and engineering challenges involved.
He recalled that the project, originally awarded in 2010 to an indigenous contractor, suffered prolonged delays despite full payment, until President Bola Tinubu intervened and directed the termination of the contract.
According to him, the contract was subsequently re-awarded to a more competent contractor to ensure its completion.
Wike said the administration was not discouraged by criticisms over the cost of the new contract, insisting that delivering infrastructure that improves residents’ welfare remained its priority.
He noted that reactions on social media showed that many Nigerians were impressed by the scale of the project and the engineering expertise deployed in overcoming the difficult terrain.
The minister urged Nigerians to evaluate the Tinubu administration’s performance holistically, rather than focusing on isolated issues, citing ongoing infrastructure development in Abuja.
On the commissioning, Wike said the FCTA was working around the President’s schedule, expressing optimism that Tinubu would inaugurate the road before the end of November.
He added that other projects being prepared for inauguration included the International Conference Centre, Southern Parkway and Karu District projects.
According to him, between 10 and 12 projects being executed by Arab Contractors were also being considered for commissioning.
Wike commended journalists for drawing public attention to the project, saying their reports had helped Nigerians appreciate the scale of infrastructure development taking place in the FCT.
“When this contract was awarded, some people were asking how we could award it at that amount. But we were not deterred. All we were concerned about was the happiness and comfort of the people.
“But be sure that I will make it happen as a tourist centre,” he assured.
