Wike: Tinubu’s 2nd anniversary to feature major project commissioning

By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

To mark President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration is planning a series of project commissioning events in May.

“By May, there will be a lot of projects to be commissioned for the second anniversary of Mr President. That is certain,” Minister Wike declared while inspecting the ongoing construction of the 30.4-kilometre A2-Pai-Gomani road project in the Kwali Area Council on Saturday, 15th February 2025.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits and impactful projects to FCT residents.

In a statement issued by the Director of Press (Office of the Minister), Anthony Ogunleye, he said details of the projects slated for commissioning will be released in due course.

The A2-Pai-Gomani road project, a crucial artery designed to connect agrarian communities and facilitate economic growth, is divided into two key segments. The first spans 15 kilometres, linking the bustling Abuja-Lokoja Expressway (A2) to Pai, while the second extends 15.4 kilometres from Pai to Gomani, further expanding connectivity in the region.

Minister Wike, impressed by the quality of work and pace of progress, commended the contractors for their diligence and commitment to excellence. He reiterated the FCT Administration’s resolve to award contracts based on demonstrated capacity and competence rather than preferential treatment.

“Let me commend the section where we are now, which is being done by Zeberced. This is A2 to Pai. I’m very much impressed with what I have seen. It shows capacity and means that they will deliver on time,” he stated, emphasising the importance of timely project delivery. “This is what I have always said, that we will give out jobs to those who show capacity, not on sentiments.”

Speaking on the Pai-Gomani section, Wike noted significant progress, with the contractor having completed approximately 12 kilometres of earthwork. He expressed optimism that the project timeline would be met, stressing the importance of completing the earthwork before the rainy season.

“From Pai to Gomani, the contractor has done earthwork of about 12 kilometres. I still believe that they are also within the time given. What is important now is to see that the earthwork is completed before the rains start,” the Minister stated, highlighting the need to avoid delays.

Acknowledging the road project’s impact on local communities, the Minister underscored its significance for agrarian areas. “These are agrarian communities. You can imagine those who have their farms here and how happy they will be,” he said, noting the project’s potential to transform livelihoods.

Minister Wike also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, traditional rulers, and local youth for their cooperation, which has facilitated the project’s smooth execution. He encouraged continued community engagement, stating: “This is what it is supposed to be – to own the projects because it’s for their own interest.”

In October last year, Wike requested a budget virement to fund the A2 to Pai road segment as an emergency project.

The request followed his oversight tour, where he had questioned why funds were allocated for the Pai-Gomani road without providing a crucial link to the expressway.

He criticised the project’s structure, questioning the logic behind constructing a road from Pai to Gomani while leaving the entry from A2 to Pai untouched.

“If you construct the road from Pai to Gomani, how do you access Pai when that road itself is impassable?” Wike had asked, calling for accountability from the STDD Coordinator and STDD Director of Regional Infrastructure during the road inauguration.

“President Tinubu’s administration is for everyone. We will ensure that every area council feels the impact of this administration,” he had said. “Our priority is infrastructure, whether in the city or rural areas.”