Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, expressed excitement on the pace of work of various ongoing infrastructural projects in Abuja.
During an inspection tour of some of the projects, in Abuja, the minister reiterated his commitment to the completion of most of the projects before May 29, 2024.
Wike also declared that his administration would not allow any infractions or obstructions of ongoing projects in the territory, noting that his focus was to hand over worthy projects to members of the public.
Wike faulted complaints of reports of a House of Representatives Member obstructing the construction in Guzape, and barriers placed by the Central Bank of Nigeria obstructing Construction at road B6.
“We are not going to take it lightly. This is not a private project, it is a public project, handled by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. If there is any complaint, we think that whoever is responsible should complain to us and not to go and use Police to stop a legitimate company constructing work for the use of the public, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council.
“We have directed the contractor to go back and make sure they don’t heed to that so called stoppage. They must go back and complete the work, which we are expecting that Mr President will Commission in May.
Commenting on why he had seemingly not been carrying the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe along, Wike said “As my Senator, she represents the FCT, and when they are in legislation, she makes sure that the interest of the FCT is taken into consideration.
“So, when you mean carrying along, I don’t award contracts. Contracts are being awarded by the Federal executive Council. If there is anything I think she should add her voice in the National Assembly, as regards the FCT, I will do that”.
The Minister noted that “Since President Tinubu came on board, no work has stopped in all the sites. There are so many of these sites, but it will be difficult to take them all at the same time.
“We believe that after May, and before December, some of the projects will be handed over to the members of the public.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far, particularly at Guzape Lot II, which he said was going on very fast.
He said that the contractor, Gilmor Construction Company, “is doing all it can to meet up the date line, and we believe they are going to accomplish it.
Wike, who also inspected the B6 and B12 road, Independence Avenue, in Central Area, being handled by Julious Berger, also expressed satisfaction with the progress of work.
“The representative of the company said that in May, they will hand it over. We are very happy,” he said.
In a separate meeting with contractors the minister expressed dissatisfaction with some of the contractors handling some of the road resurfacing projects in parts of the city.
Wike said unofficial visits to some of the project sites revealed some inactivity in the sites.
He asked the contractors to show him where they were working, adding that nobody collects mobilisation and would not show seriousness.
“I have also said before, and will continue to say it, we will not award contracts when we don’t have money. Any contract that is awarded since I came on board, know that there is cash barking.
“I am not talking before; I am talking about since the inception of President Tinubu’s government. There is no need for awarding contracts when there is no cash.
“So, haven mobilised you, I was thinking by now, we would have seen a lot of equipment on sites.
He asked the contractors to tell him the sections each of their companies were handling, “where they are working, and what stage they are at, and I am tired of memo.
“No, I don’t want a memo again, what I want is seeing physical presence, I am tired of memo,” Wike repeated.
The minister, who said he was not happy with the resurfacing contracts awarded in December 2023, asked the contractors to indicate if they are not ready to deliver as agreed.
