As part of preparations to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, embarked on a comprehensive tour of major infrastructure projects across Abuja on Tuesday, May 28, 2025.
During the inspection, the Minister assessed the readiness of several ongoing projects for possible commissioning, including the International Conference Centre (ICC), Arterial Roads N5 and N16. He expressed satisfaction with the level of work completed and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Barr. Wike confirmed that the ICC has been fully completed and is ready for formal commissioning. He praised the contractor’s commitment to quality delivery. Similarly, he noted that Arterial Road N5 — from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III — is about 95 percent complete. Construction giant Julius Berger has assured that the project will be finalized within days.
On the N16 arterial route linking the Maitama and Katampe districts through Gishiri, Wike reported significant progress by CGC Construction. Sections connecting the Judges Quarters and the Jahi-Wole Soyinka Way are now open to traffic. The Minister applauded the contractor for meeting expectations and adhering to deadlines.
“I’m truly impressed with the progress. The quality of the work is outstanding and shows that these projects will positively impact residents,” Wike said. He emphasized that the delivery of these roads reflects President Tinubu’s vision for modernizing the capital’s infrastructure.
Wike further disclosed that the N16 road project would likely be the first among the inspected projects to be officially inaugurated. Although the ICC was initially considered, legislative stakeholders requested a shift in date to enable broader participation from the National Assembly.
In his remarks, the Minister used the platform to reiterate the FCTA’s resolve to enforce ground rent payments. He criticized decades of unpaid levies by property owners, stating that such practices hinder the government’s ability to fund public infrastructure.
“Everyone wants quality services and infrastructure, yet many fail to meet basic obligations like ground rent. We can’t continue like this,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with other countries, he pointed out that Nigerian elites who own properties abroad never default on their obligations, knowing the consequences. “But here, people feel they can get away with it. That has to change,” he said.
He warned that defaulters have a two-week grace period to settle outstanding payments, as directed by the President. “We will not yield to pressure or blackmail. This is about leadership and doing what is right,” the Minister declared.
Wike also revealed that he has signed over 1,500 Certificates of Occupancy and Deeds of Assignment in recent weeks. He urged residents to be responsible citizens by fulfilling their tax obligations, assuring that prompt payments would help government deliver more critical infrastructure.
Addressing recent speculation surrounding an explosion near Mogadishu Cantonment (Abacha Barracks), Wike dismissed claims of a suicide bombing. He clarified that a man had reportedly picked up an explosive device from a quarry site, unaware of its danger, leading to an accidental detonation.
He criticized the spread of misinformation, saying such stories create unnecessary fear and panic. “There’s no official report suggesting any terror-related activity. We must avoid sensationalism and focus on verified facts,” he said.
The Minister concluded by assuring residents of the FCTA’s continuous efforts to improve safety and maintain peace in the city. “Abuja remains one of the safest cities in Nigeria. We are committed to keeping it that way,” he affirmed.
