The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, inspected the ongoing construction of the Apo-Karshi Road on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Expressing dissatisfaction with the progress since the contract was awarded in 2011, Wike emphasized his personal commitment to completing the project within the next seven months.
The Minister attributed the delay to political interference and personal interests, noting that such issues have eroded public trust in the government. He stressed that the current administration, through its Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to restore this lost confidence by delivering critical infrastructure projects on schedule.
Addressing the project’s setbacks, Engr Ezekiel Panan of Kakatar Engineering acknowledged the challenges and explained that his company is also responsible for constructing the Karshi-Ara Road into Nasarawa State. However, Barrister Wike clarified that the FCT Administration should not be funding interstate roads unless it is a joint venture, emphasizing that the focus should be on the Karshi-Apo Road, which is vital to the FCT residents.
“For 13 years, this road has been abandoned due to politics. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we will ensure the Karshi-Apo Road is completed,” Wike stated. He criticized previous administrations for allowing political considerations to hinder infrastructure development, which has hurt the community and overall economic growth.
Expressing doubts about the contractor’s ability to deliver, Wike insisted that it would no longer be business as usual. He demanded immediate mobilization to the site, with visible progress before any further funds were released. “I want to urge the contractor: it will no longer be business as usual. I don’t care who you are or where you come from. You must show seriousness. In the next few weeks, I want to see your equipment on the ground before funds are released. I am not going to release funds without seeing demonstrated capacity. I will take this road as a personal project to ensure its completion,” he declared.
Regarding the competence of local contractors, Wike criticized those who use political connections to secure contracts, thereby tarnishing the reputation of indigenous firms. “Some local contractors are giving a bad name to indigenous companies because they are political contractors,” he remarked. However, he affirmed his confidence in capable local contractors while prioritizing major, reputable firms like Julius Berger for significant projects in the FCT. “Major roads, I don’t play politics with them. That’s why we prefer to give such projects to reputable companies like Julius Berger, Setraco, and CGC. We want the best quality for the people,” he explained.
When asked about dualizing the Karshi-Apo Road, Wike indicated that the current plan is to maintain a single-lane carriageway, with future expansion considered as the area develops. He emphasized the importance of providing a functional road to enhance local business activities and reduce insecurity in the FCT. “For now, what’s important is to have a good road that enables people to go about their businesses. As the area develops, we can consider expansion,” he said. The completion of the road is expected to ease traffic congestion and promote economic activities in the region.
Wike appealed for patience from the Karshi community and Nigerians at large, assuring them that the government is committed to addressing their needs in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed that the administration is working to tackle the country’s challenges, including infrastructure deficits, but these efforts require time. “I understand the frustration of the people. The government is serious about solving these problems, but it will take time. We are here now to fix what has been neglected for years,” he stated.
He urged residents to avoid politically motivated protests, emphasizing the government’s ongoing efforts to address longstanding issues like hunger and unemployment. “A government has just come in to see what it can do to move us from where we are to a better place, and you expect miracles within one year. This protest is politically motivated. Yes, there is hunger and unemployment, but these issues were not created by this administration. We are trying to put things together, which of course takes time,” Wike explained.
“The administration is working hard to solve these problems. I agree, when you are hungry, you don’t want to listen to anything because you are hungry. But understand that someone is trying to solve the problem of hunger. Let us not listen to political protests and political jobbers who just want to be popular. This government is serious about bringing positive change,” he concluded.
The Minister’s visit to the Apo-Karshi Road project site underscores his administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure within the FCT. By prioritizing the completion of this road, Wike aims to set a precedent for future projects and rebuild public trust in the government’s ability to deliver essential services. The successful completion of the road is expected to enhance connectivity, boost economic activities, and improve the overall quality of life for residents in the area.
