Wike: Infrastructure Is About Empowerment, Not Just Construction

By Sofiat Adenekan

As the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) marks 15 consecutive days of commissioning and inspection of infrastructural projects, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has restated his administration’s resolve to deliver impactful development across all parts of the capital.

Speaking at the inauguration of the newly dualised 16.4-kilometre Usafa War College Road on Wednesday, Wike noted that this consistent rollout of completed projects is unprecedented in the history of the FCT.

Wike highlighted the significance of the Usafa road project, which extends into rural communities and provides critical access to the Usafa War College

He credited the administration’s focus and oversight for accelerating the completion of the road, which began before President Bola Tinubu’s tenure but only gained traction under the current leadership

The Minister also revealed his hands-on approach to ensuring the project’s completion, including frequent site visits and direct communication with the contractor.

“I’ve been to this site no less than 15 times in the past 15 months — weekdays, weekends — making sure the work stayed on track,” Wike said.

The completed road is expected to ease transportation, stimulate economic activity in the area, and serve as a model for rural-urban connectivity in the FCT.

Wike noted, that part of a broader effort under the Renewed Hope Agenda is to ensure that development is not concentrated in the city centre alone, but extends to satellite towns and underserved communities throughout the territory.

The Vice President described the successful execution of the project as more than just a development milestone, calling it “a clear declaration that the Nigerian spirit is alive, capable, and ready to deliver excellence.”

“We are not just building roads; we are building capacity. We are creating jobs. We are fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities.”

Vice President, Kashim Shetimma who commissioned the project, described its successful execution as more than just a development milestone, calling it “a clear declaration that the Nigerian spirit is alive, capable, and ready to deliver excellence.”

He praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his unwavering commitment to equitable development across the territory.

“His vision of an integrated capital city—where development is not confined to the city centre but extends to the suburbs and satellite communities—aligns perfectly with our Renewed Hope Agenda,” Shettima said.

“No part of the FCT is going to be relegated. Development must be all-encompassing. It is only then that we can say with confidence that Abuja works—and indeed, Abuja is working.”