|By Adejumo Adekunle-
Contractors Commended for Quality, Speed as Major Road Projects Near Completion
International Conference Centre Set for May Delivery, Inauguration Slated for President’s Anniversary
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared a landmark 95 percent implementation of the 2024 statutory budget, hailing it as unprecedented in the history of the FCT.
Wike made the announcement during a media briefing after touring key infrastructure projects across the Territory. The projects inspected include ongoing works on major roads at Life Camp and Katampe, as well as the extensive renovation of the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
“We’ve done not less than 95 percent of the budget implementation. That is historic. It has never happened before,” Wike emphasized.
“There is no project in the 2024 budget that we have not touched.”
He credited the remarkable progress to the National Assembly’s extension of the 2024 FCT statutory budget lifespan until June 2025, a move he said has enabled steady funding and fast-tracked the execution of projects.
The Minister also disclosed that the 2025 statutory budget has already been submitted to the National Assembly, expressing optimism that an early passage would sustain the current momentum and guarantee the timely delivery of vital infrastructure.
Wike, visibly impressed during the inspection, commended contractors for meeting deadlines and maintaining high construction standards.
Among the highlights of the tour was the inspection of the 4-kilometer six-lane dual carriageway linking Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, a project handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. Once completed, the road is expected to boost connectivity between key districts including Kado, Karmo, Gwarimpa I, Dape, Ido-Gwari, Saburi, and Dei-Dei.
Also nearing completion is the access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway (by N16) to the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District. This corridor will connect seamlessly with the N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) in Jahi District, improving movement between Katampe and Maitama.
The Minister expressed particular satisfaction with the speed of work at the International Conference Centre, describing the renovation as “rapidly advancing.”
“These projects will be inaugurated by Mr. President during his second-year anniversary celebrations,” Wike said.
“The first phase of the N5 road will also be ready by the end of May.”
With several high-impact projects nearing completion, the FCT is set to experience a new wave of infrastructural transformation.
