Wike Says 70% of Completed FCT Projects Were 15-Year-Old Abandoned Contracts
Wike Reveals Most FCT Projects Completed Were Legacy Contracts
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that about 70% of the infrastructure projects completed by the FCT Administration under President Bola Tinubu were contracts abandoned for between 15 and 16 years before the current administration revived them. He said the decision to complete the inherited projects aligns with President Tinubu's directive that viable government projects should not be abandoned.
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Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike said the administration deliberately prioritised abandoned projects while also initiating new infrastructure works across the Federal Capital Territory. According to him, completing long-neglected projects has prevented the waste of public funds and accelerated infrastructure delivery across the nation's capital.
FCT Revived Long-Abandoned Infrastructure Projects
Wike explained that many of the completed roads, bridges and other public infrastructure projects inherited by the current administration had remained dormant for over a decade.
He noted that approximately 60% of the projects executed over the past three years were contracts originally awarded 15 to 16 years ago but left unfinished. The administration, he said, has now completed at least 70% of those abandoned projects, improving infrastructure delivery across Abuja and its satellite communities.
According to the minister, abandoning projects already funded with public resources would have denied residents access to critical infrastructure while increasing the overall cost of project delivery.
New Projects Continue Alongside Legacy Contracts
While emphasising the completion of inherited projects, Wike said the FCT Administration has also commenced new infrastructure developments to support the expansion of Abuja.
He stated that the administration is investing in new roads and related public infrastructure aimed at improving connectivity, reducing traffic congestion and opening up new districts for residential, commercial and economic development.
TSA Exit Improved Project Financing
Wike attributed the improved pace of project execution to President Tinubu's decision to remove the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
According to the minister, the policy has given the FCT Administration quicker access to project funding, enabling contractors to receive payments on time and allowing infrastructure projects to progress without prolonged financial delays.
Implications for Housing and Urban Development
The completion of long-abandoned infrastructure projects is expected to strengthen Abuja's urban development strategy by improving road connectivity and opening new areas for residential and commercial expansion.
For the housing sector, improved transport infrastructure typically enhances land values, attracts private investment and supports the development of new housing estates. The administration's dual approach of completing inherited projects while launching new ones could also improve investor confidence in the FCT's infrastructure pipeline.
Conclusion
Wike's remarks highlight the FCT Administration's strategy of balancing legacy project completion with new infrastructure investment. As Abuja continues to expand, the completion of previously abandoned contracts is expected to improve connectivity, stimulate urban growth and support the delivery of housing and commercial developments across the capital territory.
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