Wike promises more road infrastructure to area councils

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, promised to construct more road infrastructure in area councils across the territory on Monday.

Wike made the promise while inaugurating the five-kilometre Naharati – River Ukya – Uguwan Hausawa access road in Abaji, Abaji Area Council of the FCT.

He explained that the measure was part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to a dual development of Abuja city and satellite towns.

“I have told everybody who cares to listen that while we are developing the city, we are also developing the satellite towns.

“Throughout this week, from today to Friday, we have dedicated ourselves to inauguration of projects in the six area councils,” he said.

He assured residents of Abaji of additional road projects, adding that funds have been earmarked in the FCT Administration’s 2025 budget.

He said that the construction of the Naharati – River Ukya – Uguwan Hausawa access road fulfilled the promise made to the residents of Abaji in late 2023.

He added that the request for two additional Police Divisions to beef up security in Abaji would be completed and inaugurated in a few months’ time.

The Minister also pointed out that construction was ongoing at the FCT University of Science and Technology, Abaji, as promised to the people.

He thanked the Abaji Traditional Council for conferring on him the traditional title of “Hasken Abaji”, meaning The Light of Abaji.

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Dedicating the title to Tinubu, the minister described the President as the “light of Nigeria” due to his life-impacting programmes and people-oriented projects.

Wike promised that more projects would be inaugurated in May to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

Earlier, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said that the project aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Zulkiflu added that the project was also part of Wike’s commitments to create an enabling environment and improved living standards for people in satellite towns and area councils.

He said that road would create job opportunities, facilitate the transportation of goods and services, enhance the movement of farm produce, reduce traveling time and curb rural urban migration.

“Today we celebrate more than just the completion of the road; we honour unity, development, improved connectivity, community harmony and a promising future for the residents of Abaji Area Council,” he said.

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Chairman of the council, Mr Abubakar Abdullahi, thanked Wike for the commitment to develop all area councils of the FCT.

Abdullahi said that besides the socio-economic impact, the road connected Naharati residents with Abaji town for the first time.

He added that following Wike’s footsteps, the council had completed the construction of an 80-bed hospital in Abaji to cater to the health needs of the residents.

He added that the council was equally building a 750-capacity ultra-model information and communication technology centre in Abaji.

“This is part of efforts to invest in human capital development for the long-term benefit of the council.