Wike Targets December Completion For Major Abuja Road Projects

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that major road projects in Abuja, including the Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) and service carriageways of the Southern Parkway, will be completed by December 2026 or early January 2027.

Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja after inspecting ongoing construction works on the two projects in the Gaduwa District.

He said the completion of the projects would transform the capital’s urban landscape, improve connectivity between major districts and ease traffic congestion.

“I am quite confident by December ending, God willing, these two projects will have been delivered to us, and you can imagine what the landscape will be,” the minister said.

The ISEX project, which was originally awarded in 2014, has suffered delays over the years. The ongoing intervention involves the construction of two major interchanges and more than five kilometres of road infrastructure.

Wike attributed the recent acceleration of work to the release of funds by the Federal Government. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving full funding for the first phase of the ISEX project.

The minister also commended China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), the contractor handling the projects, for operating round-the-clock to meet the delivery timeline.

According to him, the completed projects will improve movement across Abuja, decongest major traffic corridors and support the development of a more interconnected capital city.

Wike further highlighted the economic impact of the construction activities, noting that youths from neighbouring communities had been engaged in the projects.

He said the participation of local residents had helped maintain a peaceful working environment and reduced the risk of disruptions arising from community-related issues.

The minister urged other contractors executing projects in the FCT to emulate CGC by placing infrastructure delivery and long-term development ahead of immediate financial gains.

“Everything is not about profit; sometimes it is about your contribution to the development of the area. Money will come at the end of the day,” he said.

Wike assured contractors that the FCT Administration would continue to meet its financial obligations, while cautioning them against allowing external pressures to slow down ongoing projects.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritising infrastructure projects that would improve transportation, connectivity and the overall quality of life in Abuja.