Abuja Infrastructure On Track As 90% Of 2024 Budget Implemented – Wike

ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the timely completion of major infrastructure projects in Abuja, citing significant progress in budget implementation and ongoing roadworks.

He made this known during an inspection tour of key projects, Wike highlighted the substantial rehabilitation efforts underway at the International Conference Centre, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division, and the Outer Northern Expressway, among others.

Speaking on the status of the 2024 budget,(1.1Trilion) Wike revealed that nearly 90% of the allocations had been implemented, paving the way for the preparation of the 2025 budget.

“As I speak to you, we are almost 90% done with the 2024 budget. We are preparing for our 2025 budget. You certainly know that Mr. President just gave his budget speech at the National Assembly. When he comes back, we are going to submit our 2025 statutory budget for him to transmit to the National Assembly,” he said.

He assured that all ongoing projects were covered in the 2024 budget, while new initiatives would be captured in the 2025 fiscal plan. He further clarified that the extension of the 2024 budget implementation period until June 2025 would ensure continuity.

“Just like you can see for yourselves, we first of all went to the International Conference Centre, which is carrying out a complete rehabilitation by Julius Berger. Then, we went to the Court of Appeal at the Abuja Division of Projects, which you can see the way the projects are moving. And now, we are here,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the International Conference Centre would be delivered between April and May, while the Court of Appeal project is expected to be handed over in September. He also commended the contractors, Julius Berger and Gilmore, for their competence and adherence to timelines, noting that some of the projects would be commissioned as part of the administration’s second-year anniversary celebrations.

Addressing the ongoing strike by primary school teachers in Abuja, Wike described the situation as “unfortunate” and called for constructive engagement rather than industrial action.

“Two days ago, I had a meeting with security agencies, the Area Council Chairmen, and the Minister of State over security issues. During the meeting, the issue of the teachers’ strike came up. I directed the Honorable Minister of State to invite the teachers and see what we can do,” he disclosed.

He reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to ensuring the full implementation of the national minimum wage for teachers, emphasizing the need for patience and dialogue in resolving disputes.

“Strike has never solved any problem. Rather, it has created more problems. I believe that within a short time, we will sort it out,” Wike added.

With major projects progressing steadily and budgetary commitments largely on track, the FCT Administration remains focused on delivering key infrastructure improvements while addressing critical labor concerns in the nation’s capital.