By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike has made history by hitting 95 percent in the performance of the 2024 budget which is in operation till June this year.
Wike made this revelation on Monday when he inspected three different projects to be commissioned by Mr. President during his second anniversary.
Briefing the press after the inspection, Wike said: “I can tell you, we’ve done not less than 90 to 95 percent of the budget implementation; that is historic. That has never happened before. If you look at the projects, there you will see that there is no project that is in 2024 that we have not touched.”
Meanwhile, the minister said the FCT 2025 budget has been forwarded to the National Assembly by the President but the National Assembly is still on recess. He hopes that they will commence the passage when they reconvene on 25th April.
“We believe when they come back, we’ll go and defend the 2025 Appropriation Bill.”
He explained that the projects are not hindered as all the projects are for 2024.
“That is not hindering the projects. These projects are part of the 2024 budget, which is extended to June ending. So we are doing what is within the law.”
The minister’s first port of call was the International Conference Centre. Workers were seen working. Outside tiling is completed, the scaffolds outside have here removed, just like the ceiling is fine outside.
The contractor said the chairs are ready, but they are waiting for other inside works before installing the chairs, just like the carpet that is ready, but yet to be installed.
However, they assured that the place will be ready for commissioning in May.
He also visited N5 road which is Obafemi Awolowo Way extension through Life Camp.
The entire road, according to the contractor will be ready by November this year. But the portion to the bridge will be ready by May. The road stretch connects to Old Keffi road to Suleja in Niger State.
On N11 that runs through Gishiri, Judges Quartets and the new Mabuchi Bus Terminal that is under construction from Wole Soyinka way in Jahi district, the contractor said they were ready to deliver before May.
The minister said from his assessment, he is impressed.
“ Frankly speaking, we are very impressed. The contractors who are handling these various jobs have lived up to expectations and we are also doing our part by making sure payments are also made, so that there will not be delays from either of the sides.”
“The quality of jobs are quite impressive. I’m so happy with the International Conference Center.”
