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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has assured residents that all ongoing infrastructure projects awarded by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will be completed before the end of the year, expressing confidence in the contractors handling the various road projects across the capital city.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday after inspecting the ongoing construction of the extension of Collector Road CO1 linking Nile University area in the Institution and Research District with Lugbe, Abuja and the Arterial Road N1, from Wuye District to Ring Road II, Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the Tinubu administration remained committed to delivering every project it had initiated, insisting that no road project would be abandoned.

“What should concern you is whether there is any project we have started and abandoned. Look at even the projects that were awarded since 2010. We have tried to see that all are completed, and the ones that this administration has awarded will also be completed,” the minister said.

He added: “I don’t want to be pessimistic. I’m very optimistic that all the roads that we have gone for inspection, after the commissioning and flag-off, will also be done. As far as I’m concerned, latest by the end of this year.”

Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Research and Institution Avenue, which will link Lugbe, being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), despite initially expressing concern over the volume of work still outstanding.

“I have faith. There are companies that, when they give you their word and you also play your own part, they always fulfil. CCECC is a company that is doing the road at the Research and Institution Avenue,” he said.

“With what I saw today, I can tell you comfortably that if we complete that project, I can beat my chest and go home and say I’m happy. The administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has succeeded in providing the basic infrastructure that has transformed Abuja into the city it is supposed to be.”

The minister also commended Arab Contractors for the quality of work on another major road project, recalling that when the present administration assumed office in August 2023, the contractor handling the Airport Road to Kuje project had yet to mobilise to site.

According to him, discussions with stakeholders revealed that Arab Contractors was responsible for the project, after which the company committed to completing it as part of activities marking President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

“Today, you can agree with me that it is one of the best quality roads you can talk about in Abuja. They are the ones now doing this road, and look at the quality of the job,” he said.

“The Managing Director, who is here with us, has assured us they will do their own part, while we will also fulfil our obligations. By the grace of God, we will hand over this project to Mr. President in December.”

Wike attributed the progress on ongoing projects to the mutual trust between the FCTA and its contractors, noting that several companies continued executing projects even before receiving full payments because they were confident the administration would honour its commitments.

“They have never disappointed us. That’s why most companies, even if we have not done our own part, still go ahead because they know that, at the end of the day, we will fulfil our obligation. That trust is there between us and these companies,” he said.

The minister described himself as “highly elated” by the quality of construction witnessed during the inspection, arguing that the transformation taking place in the nation’s capital was evident to residents and visitors alike.

“I can tell you I am highly elated with the level of work, the level of construction and the quality that we have seen. Every right-thinking person in this country and in this city will agree that indeed the President’s administration has transformed Abuja into a world-class city,” he stated.

He also urged the media to objectively report the progress recorded by the administration, saying journalists who had inspected the projects could independently attest to the changes taking place across the Federal Capital Territory.

“People are happy, and I believe that even you, the media, can attest to it. Even if we are not there, you become our ambassadors to say, ‘We have gone, we have seen, and we can attest to the fact that things have changed,’” Wike said.

Responding to questions on the ongoing bridge project around the Jabi axis, the minister urged residents to remain patient, reiterating that every project initiated by the administration would be completed.

“I know you have interest in one of these particular projects, but just be patient. Everything will be done,” he assured.