FCTA targets completion of 10 major projects by January, Wike vows to stop illegal street racing

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is on course to complete and inaugurate between eight and 10 key infrastructure projects across Abuja before January 2027.

Wike disclosed this on Monday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing road projects in the FCT, stressing that the administration remained focused on delivering critical infrastructure despite recently inaugurating several completed projects.

According to him, work is progressing steadily on projects already awarded by the administration, with contractors expected to meet the completion timeline.

The minister, who inspected the Apo-Karshi Road, said the project, originally awarded in 2010, was nearing completion as installation of streetlights had commenced. He commended the contractor, SCC Nigeria Limited, as well as residents of the affected communities for their cooperation throughout the execution of the project.

Wike also expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the Bwari-Kubwa Road, noting that the contractor was making significant progress and was expected to complete the project before the next rainy season.

He assured residents that the FCTA would continue to provide adequate funding to contractors to ensure uninterrupted work and timely delivery of ongoing projects.

“People have seen promises made and promises fulfilled, and we will not let them down,” Wike said.

“We believe by tomorrow we will go out again to inspect other projects flagged off to see how far the contractors are going. About eight to ten projects which we agreed will be completed before January, so we will make sure that all these things are done.”

The minister also raised concerns over the growing incidence of illegal street racing on roads within the Federal Capital City, describing the practice as a serious threat to public safety.

He said although the newly constructed roads had attracted automobile enthusiasts, using public roads in residential areas for racing endangered lives and violated existing traffic regulations.

“First of all, that goes to show how beautiful the roads are, but people often forget that certain activities pose a danger to innocent citizens,” he said.

“If people want to carry out car racing, there are designated areas where they should do that, not in residential areas. Nobody will allow that. I appeal to those involved to understand that rights have limitations, and life is more important.”

Wike said the FCTA would work with relevant traffic enforcement agencies to stop unauthorised street racing and ensure safer roads for residents of the nation’s capital.

The statement was issued by the Deputy Director of Press in the Office of the FCT Minister, Rabi Musa Umar.