Inspection tour across Wuye–RR2, Tunga Madaki–Zuba corridor and Zaudna–Kabba–Kagini rural network; Wike cites progress, rain delays, and National Assembly-backed financing
By Amarachi Odenigbo
ABUJA, Nigeria — Tuesday, September 22, 2026 — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that major road construction projects cutting across both urban and rural corridors in the nation’s capital will be completed and commissioned before December 2026, framing the milestones as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Christmas gifts” to communities ahead of the general election season.
Major FCT Road Projects on Track for December 2026 Commissioning
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday after a routine inspection tour of critical infrastructure sites scheduled to finish ahead of the upcoming elections, Wike said contractors have maintained an acceptable level of pace and quality despite ongoing weather disruptions.
He disclosed that the federal capital administration has prioritised road connectivity projects with direct benefits for commuters, businesses, and rural economies—an emphasis he linked to the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I am very impressed with the progress we have seen so far and with the commitment of the contractors. But for the heavy rains, they would have gone much further. From the first week of October, as the rains subside, earthworks will intensify. They are contractors who have worked with us before, we know their capacity, and I am confident they will meet the December schedule,” Wike stated.
Sites Inspected: Urban Arterials and Rural Connectivity
Among the project locations evaluated were several roads identified as strategic for traffic flow, last-mile access, and economic activity:
- Arterial Road N1 linking Wuye to Ring Road 2 (RR2)
- Tunga Madaki to Zuba Road corridor
- A 5.6-kilometre rural road network spanning Zaudna, Kabba, and Kagini communities near Dei Dei, including solar-powered street lighting systems
The Minister said the inclusion of street lighting is expected to improve safety, reduce travel risks at night, and expand evening economic activity in the affected areas.
Contractor Performance Commended Despite Rain-Related Challenges
Wike expressed satisfaction with construction progress and workmanship, while attributing slower phases to heavy rainfall patterns. He credited contractors for continuing site work and maintaining momentum even during periods that affected mobilisation and earthwork activities.
He also described the December timeline as realistic, emphasising that intensified earthworks are expected once rains reduce from early October.
Rural Roads Expected to Boost Local Economies
In remarks highlighting the wider impact of the Zaudna–Kabba–Kagini road, the Minister argued that opening up underserved communities transforms livelihood opportunities by improving access to markets, healthcare, education, and employment.
He said delivering the projects ahead of festive season is meant to translate governance into visible results for residents.
“We promised residents that these projects will be part of their Christmas gifts from Mr. President so they can go home and enjoy the festivities. When you look at rural areas like this, opening up the roads changes the local economy completely. That is the essence of good governance — when the people are happy, we are happy,” he added.
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Minister Dismisses Loan Allegations, Says National Assembly Cleared Financing
The inspection tour also became a platform for Wike to respond to recent political claims by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who had alleged that the FCT Administration acquired loans illegally without statutory clearance.
Wike rejected the allegations as baseless and insisted that the administration’s financing approach follows legal and budgetary requirements, including National Assembly authorisation through approved provisions.
He said any loan arrangement would be embedded in the budget and subjected to parliamentary approval.
“There is no way we can go and take loans without the approval of the National Assembly. If you want to take out a loan, you will include it in the budget, that this aspect of the budget, that you are going to collect loan. I don’t want to comment about her because she is already packing her things out…,” the Minister asserted.
He further argued that residents would evaluate governance based on outcomes, including how infrastructure spending benefits communities.
Infrastructure Framed as Election Campaign Platform
When asked how he plans to balance administrative duties with political campaigning as elections approach, Wike said the administration’s visible infrastructure record serves as the clearest campaign tool.
He urged residents in Kabba and Kagini to ignore opposition narratives and vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Philip Aduda.
“Look at what we are doing — that is the campaign itself. The work speaks for itself. Who will see these massive infrastructure transformations across the FCT and look elsewhere? We are doing our job delivering infrastructure, and that performance is our strongest campaign to tell the people why they should vote for the President,” he said.
With major road projects spanning the Wuye–RR2 arterial corridor, the Tunga Madaki–Zuba route, and the 5.6-kilometre Zaudna–Kabba–Kagini rural network, the FCT Minister has anchored government messaging on delivery timelines—promising residents completion and commissioning by December 2026. He also dismissed ongoing political disputes over FCT financing as unfounded, stressing that legislative authorisation guides borrowing and budget execution.
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