President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has changed the face and landscape of the 250 square kilometers of the Federal Capital City, Abuja.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, stated this, Thursday, while speaking to journalists after inspection of projects in the Abuja metropolis.
Abuja Digest reports that Wike, Thursday inspected works on rehabilitation of the International Conference Centre, Abuja, CN8 access road in Daki Biyu, Court of Appeal Abuja Division Complex, Interchange on Outer Northern Expressway, ONEX (Kubwa Road) by Katampe Hills, and the Arterial Road connecting it with Mabushi District.
The Minister lauded the pace of work on the projects and expressed optimism that the projects would be completed on time for the President’s second anniversary in May.
His words: “You will be glad by the time these roads are opened, and what the landscape of the city will look like. So one is happy that the contractors are doing well. On our own part too, we will make sure that we don’t fail, so that they won’t make excuses.”
Revealing that his Administration has implemented “almost 90 percent of the 2024 budget”, Wike explained that the FCTA was still within the ambit of the law since the 2024 budget cycle has been extended to June, 2025.
The Minister disagreed that the tempo on replacement of manhole covers in Abuja has reduced; saying that it could not be done immediately, because procurement needed to be carried out first.
He, however, assured that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) would ensure replacement of all the vandalized manholes.
Responding to a question on LEA Primary School teachers strike, the Minister decried that it was unfortunate that the teachers downed tools after FCTA’s intervention.
He recalled that issue of the strike came up last week during the Security Council meeting and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, was asked to invite the teachers for a way out.
“It’s very unfortunate that this issue of Minimum Wage is out but we will make sure that the teachers will go back to work, we will do everything we can to see that the Area Councils implement the Minimum Wage as approved by the National Assembly”, he assured.
Addressing the teachers, the Minister urged them to always consider the impact their industrial actions have on the children, parents and the whole country and prioritize “proper dialogue.”
