Yesterday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission told the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that they were proud of him following the massive road development in the FCT.
Executive Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, who was represented by the commission’s Secretary, Mr. Muhammad Hammajoda, at the inauguration of construction of a three-kilometre access road to communities around Plot 18, Giri District in Abuja, described the Minister as a “bulldozer” for constructing the road.
The road leads to the EFCC Academy site and other areas.
Hammajoda told Wike, “You are our stakeholder, and we are proud of you; thank you, thank you, and thank you.”
However, the Minister noted that the ongoing road construction was not solely for the benefit of the EFCC.
“The road is not for EFCC, but for all,” the Minister declared.
He emphasised the broader infrastructural vision of the FCTA.
The Minister added that the road project would also benefit the EFCC Academy site, which is located in the area.
Wike pointed out that the Giri District in Abuja needs to develop at par with other districts due to a lack of access to roads and other basic infrastructure.
He expressed optimism that “With an access road, everybody will come and develop the area, and that is what we are looking for. Some of you who own plots here will also benefit from the road when completed.”
The Minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the ongoing infrastructure revolution in the FCT.
He said the road project would be among those inaugurated in May 2025 to celebrate Tinubu’s second anniversary as President.
Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said Levant Construction Ltd. was awarded the three-kilometre road.
Dauda said the road, which begins at the Bill Clinton Interchange at Airport Expressway and ends at the EFCC academy site, would be completed in nine months.
Wike inaugurated the construction of a 9.8-kilometre road from Kabusa to Takushara on Tuesday and a 10.5-kilometre road from Kabusa to Ketti on Wednesday.
*Wuse Market gets first-ever firefighting tech
The Federal Capital Territory Administration yesterday announced the introduction of the first-ever fire monitoring technology at the Wuse Market in Abuja.
This is against the background of fire incidences, especially in markets during dry seasons.
Flagging off the FCT fire sensitisations in all the markets in Abuja, the Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah, said, “This initiative is more than just an event, it is a testament to our collective commitment to safeguarding lives, properties, and livelihoods in Abuja Markets and FCT generally.”
Demonstrating the firefighting technology, an SOS machine that sends a signal to the fire station for prompt response, the Integrated Fire Emergency Monitoring Technology, Obuah tested the installed technology by pressing the machine, and the signal was sent automatically to the Fire Service.
Obuah said the installation is part of the government’s responsibility to Nigerians, as the traders will pay very little to get it.
Another is the smoke detector that sends signals instantly to the Service station for their prompt response
Obuah noted that markets are vibrant hubs of economic activities and central to development, hence the need for fire safety sensitization, especially during dry seasons.
He charged the traders with imbibing fire safety measures, ensuring that shops were equipped with fire extinguishers, avoiding overloading electrical connections, and maintaining clear pathways for emergency exits.
“Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or fire hazards promptly,” he noted.
He also noted that fire safety was not just the responsibility of the government or market management but required the active participation of every trader and stakeholder.
In his comment, the acting Managing Director of Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML), Nsor Ojiji, said the company was collaborating with relevant agencies to achieve zero fire in FCT markets.
He charged traders to take enforcement seriously and to imbibe proper storage or outright removal of fire-inducing materials in the markets.
In attendance was the Controller of FCT Fire Service, Zacchaeus Adebayo, who said the sensitisation was a yearly proactive measure to prevent market fire in the FCT.
He said, “In this era of climate change and attendant global warming at its peak, we all have a responsibility to make our environment safe as this season makes markets vulnerable to fire.
Adebayo also assured that the FCT Fire Service is committed to prioritising fire prevention. He equally called in traders to prioritise fire safety.
The fire service boss charged the traders to refrain from using substandard materials, especially electricity wires, and sleeping in the market.
In attendance were all the market unions and other stakeholders
