Sir: Some infrastructure projects are measured not only by their length or financial value, but by the years of hardship endured by the people waiting for their completion. The Apo–Karshi road is one such project.

First awarded in 2010, the road remained uncompleted for approximately 16 years. For residents of Apo, Karshi and surrounding communities, the prolonged delay translated into difficult journeys, traffic congestion, increased transportation costs and lost economic opportunities. What should have been a strategic alternative route into Abuja gradually became a painful reminder of an unfulfilled government promise.

Today, however, the story is changing. Through the determined intervention of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the once-stalled Apo–Karshi road is finally approaching completion. The road is expected to be handed over by the contractor in November and opened to residents by December 2026.

This is not merely the continuation of an inherited project. It is the result of purposeful leadership, political will and a deliberate decision to confront a long-standing challenge that previous administrations could not resolve.

Upon assuming office, the FCT Minister did not ignore the condition of the Apo–Karshi road or hide behind the fact that the contract predated his administration. The stalled contract was reviewed, revoked and re-awarded, while closer supervision was introduced to ensure that work progressed according to an agreed timeline. This is the hallmark of the Wike leadership style: identify the problem, take responsibility and pursue results.

During his inspection of the project on September 24, 2026, the minister expressed satisfaction that the road, after years of delay, had finally reached an advanced stage of completion.

The significance of the Apo–Karshi road goes far beyond asphalt and concrete. When completed, it will improve connectivity between the Abuja city centre and rapidly growing communities along the corridor. It will provide an alternative access route, reduce travel time and ease pressure on other major roads.

The project will also support commercial activities, improve access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities, increase the value of properties and create new economic opportunities for residents. The revival of the Apo–Karshi road is part of a broader and deliberate strategy to extend development beyond Abuja’s city centre. People naturally identify with a government that listens to them, acknowledges their challenges and takes practical steps to address them.

For many years, residents of satellite towns watched major infrastructure projects concentrated largely within the city centre. Under the present FCT Administration, that narrative is being rewritten. Roads and other essential facilities are now reaching communities that had previously felt excluded from Abuja’s development.

The Wike-led FCT Administration is gradually restoring public confidence by completing inherited projects, initiating new ones and ensuring that infrastructure development reaches both urban and satellite communities. The scale, pace and geographical spread of the transformation are redefining expectations of what an FCT Administration can accomplish.

After 16 long years, the people of Apo, Karshi and neighbouring communities can finally see the end of their wait.

A road once associated with abandonment is becoming a corridor of mobility, commerce and opportunity.

This is the essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT with promises translated into projects, projects translated into improved living conditions, and leadership measured by visible results.
Indeed, Wike is not merely building roads; he is reconnecting communities, reviving hope and demonstrating that with courage, commitment and purposeful leadership, government can truly work for the people.

Dr. Jumai Ahmadu is the Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement Department, FCTA.