FCT Minister Wike Announces Plans for New Secretariat, Pushes for Faster Road Development in Abuja
FCT Minister Wike Announces Plans for New Secretariat, Pushes for Faster Road Development in Abuja
By Matthew Eloyi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has revealed plans to commence construction on a new permanent secretariat for the FCT Administration in Garki, Abuja.
This announcement came as Wike inaugurated the development of Arterial Road N5 from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in Abuja on Friday.
During the inauguration, Wike urged the German construction firm Julius Berger, responsible for the project, to reduce the completion time from 18 months to 14 months.
He assured that if the company could achieve the faster timeline, it would secure additional projects, including the construction of the new FCT secretariat.
Reflecting on the current FCTA office, built by the military in the 1980s, Wike described it as “unbefitting” for the capital’s administration.
“Just imagine the whole of FCTA being in that office that was built in the 1980s by the military,” he stated.
“We want to do something that when anybody is coming to Abuja and sees it, they will say – wow! This is truly FCT,” he added.
Addressing the road development, Wike highlighted the need for quality infrastructure in the heavily populated area, adding that the project would facilitate smoother transportation, create jobs, and boost the local economy.
He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu, whose efforts have enabled critical infrastructure development in the capital.
Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr. Shehu Ahmad, provided project details, noting that the Arterial Road N5 is a 4-kilometer, six-lane dual carriageway, named Obafemi Awolowo Way.
“This road, when completed, would provide the much-needed relief to commuters along the districts of Kado, Karmo, Gwarimpa I, Dape, Iddo-Gwari, Sabori, and Dei Dei,” Ahmad explained, also mentioning an ongoing plan to rehabilitate the old Keffi Road as an additional route for residents.
Representing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the event, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Ibrahim Bomai, commended the FCTA’s infrastructure efforts and pledged the National Assembly’s support to fast-track development projects in the territory.
