By Pius Awunah
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Mr. Nyesom Wike, has declared a far-reaching infrastructural transformation of Abuja before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first term in office in 2027.
Wike, who had flagged off three road projects in the last three days out of the 12 scheduled for flag off before October 2025, gave the assurance on Monday,September 22,2025,while flagging off the construction of access roads ILS 02 and ILS 03 (Timipre Sylva Street) in the Mabushi District of the FCT.
He described the projects as a clear testament to the Tinubu administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Two projects already flagged off include the full scope development of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II; construction of the Northern Parkway from Ring Road II to Ring Road III;
Other projects to be flagged off by Wike are Karsana West, and the second Abuja airport runway, the construction of an access road and erosion control works in Kaura District with three-span bridges; transit way (2) to connect the Central Area with Wuse District with two bridges; design and construction of Mohammed Isa Road Extension in Asokoro District; rehabilitation of the 15km Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction; and the provision of engineering infrastructure in outstanding layouts of Guzape District (Lots I and II).
Also listed are the construction of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel I. Ogala Street) from Arterial N16 (Yemi Osinbajo Way) to N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) including Road ILS 5 in Katampe District, as well as the design and construction of official residences for the heads of the nation’s courts—President of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, and President of the National Industrial Court.
According to the Minister, the capital city will, by 2027, rival some of the best planned and developed cities across the globe.
“By the time Mr. President’s tenure expires, Abuja will be a different city. In terms of infrastructure, Abuja will compete with other known cities of the world,” he said.
He emphasised that the projects were part of a larger vision spearheaded by President Tinubu to reposition the nation’s capital through targeted investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
“What we are doing is implementing the vision of the President, and no sector will be left untouched,” Wike stated.
Responding to criticisms that his administration had placed disproportionate emphasis on road construction, the minister maintained that infrastructure remained the bedrock of sustainable development.
He stressed that the FCT Administration (FCTA) was careful not to embark on projects without proper funding.
“Do not bring projects when you do not have the money. If you award contracts without funding, you only raise false hopes. That is why we are ensuring that every project we flag off is backed by available funds,” Wike said.
Following the flag-off ceremony, the minister undertook an inspection tour of two key judiciary-related projects: the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District, and the ongoing construction of judges’ quarters in Gishiri.
While expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded at the judges’ quarters, he raised concerns over the pace of work at the Court of Appeal project.
“I am not too satisfied that the contractor will meet the promised timeline, but I believe the project will not exceed this year,” Wike said, adding that he had summoned the contractor for urgent discussions.
He lauded President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare and independence of judicial officers, describing the provision of decent housing as essential to safeguarding the integrity of the judiciary.
“With what Mr. President has put out, it shows he wants our judges to be independent and safe, not living among criminals. That is why these quarters are very important,” Wike added.
The Mabushi road project and the judiciary housing schemes are part of a broader initiative by the FCTA to revitalise critical infrastructure that had been stalled or neglected by previous administrations.
