By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said on Tuesday that satellite towns must begin to feel the impact of ongoing development in the FCT.
Speaking during an inspection of projects in Abuja, Wike said the Tinubu administration is committed to opening up satellite communities through massive road construction.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of infrastructure works across the territory.
The minister disclosed that the Body of Benchers Centre annex and several road projects were nearing completion and would be inaugurated as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
“Today is a very good day. The work at the Body of Benchers Centre annex is 95 percent completed. The furniture has been installed and what is left is just to tidy up a few things,” Wike said.
He also inspected the access road to the complex being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), describing it as a high-quality job delivered on schedule.
“The road has been completed and they are now putting up the street lights. Like I said, that road will be part of the projects to be inaugurated during Mr. President’s third anniversary,” he stated.
Wike further inspected the completed Tunga Madaki road project linking Tunga Maje, noting that asphalt work and installation of streetlights would be concluded within days.
He said the administration’s focus is to extend infrastructure development beyond the city centre to rural and satellite communities.
“My greatest happiness is that we have also started going to Zuba. The entire communities around that axis will now be opened up. That is what development is all about—opening up the satellite areas as directed by Mr. President,” he said.
The minister commended contractors for meeting agreed timelines while maintaining quality standards.
“I am so impressed with the quality of the job and the timely completion. I commend the contractors for fulfilling their promise that they will complete the projects on time,” Wike added.
Responding to claims that area council chairmen were underutilizing allocations because of FCTA’s intervention in infrastructure, Wike dismissed the allegation as unfounded.
“I don’t know about that. Those who elected them should take action if there are issues,” he said.
He noted that most area councils grapple with heavy salary obligations, especially for primary school teachers, and said assertions that allocations were being wasted lacked factual basis.
“How much do they receive monthly and how much goes into payment of teachers’ salaries? People make assertions without having the facts,” he stated.
Wike also commented briefly on the ongoing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, saying he was satisfied with the conduct of the exercise.
“All I know is that we have completed our screening and the primaries are going on. INEC officials were present at the primaries and I am happy with the way the PDP is conducting the process,” he said.
