Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has directed the construction of additional roads in the six area councils of Abuja. This announcement aims to further decentralize development efforts and extend infrastructure improvements from the city center to the rural communities of the FCT.
During a recent event where Wike was inaugurating a newly completed road project, he disclosed that the directive from President Tinubu is part of his “Renewed Hope Agenda” to ensure equitable development across the territory. “President Bola Tinubu has asked me to extend our road construction efforts beyond the current projects,” Wike stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and economic activities in all parts of the FCT.
The specific details regarding which roads will be constructed or upgraded in each area council were not immediately disclosed. However, Wike highlighted that the projects are designed to improve access to farmlands, boost security by making remote areas more accessible, and facilitate economic growth by reducing travel times and costs for residents in these councils.
This initiative follows a series of road constructions and rehabilitations that have been flagged off or completed under Wike’s tenure as FCT Minister. Previously, he had overseen the construction of significant road networks, including the 5-kilometer access road connecting Saburi 1, 11, and Dei-Dei International Market, which was commissioned on January 21, 2024. Wike also assured that every area council would see at least one road project in the 2025 budget, a promise he reiterated during the recent announcement.
The minister’s commitment to infrastructure development has been met with appreciation from local residents and traditional leaders who see these projects as vital for tackling insecurity and promoting economic activities. Wike’s approach aligns with the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s administration to prioritize infrastructure as a means to empower the populace and stimulate economic development.
In response to this development, community leaders and residents from various area councils have expressed optimism about the positive impacts these new roads will bring to their daily lives. They believe that better road networks will not only enhance their quality of life but also attract more business investments into their communities, thereby creating job opportunities and improving the local economy.
However, critics have urged for transparency in the selection and execution of these projects, emphasizing the need for quality and sustainability. They also call for ensuring that these developments do not lead to displacement or negatively impact the environment without proper mitigation plans.
As Abuja continues to grow, the focus on infrastructure by the Tinubu administration through Minister Wike’s efforts is seen as a step towards realizing a more inclusive and prosperous FCT, where development benefits are not confined to the urban center but spread across its rural peripheries.