Abuja: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed commitment to transforming Abuja’s infrastructure, with major road projects targeted for completion by December 2026 and early January 2027. Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday, after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Inner Southern Expressway (Goodluck Jonathan Way) and the service carriageways of the Southern Parkway in Gaduwa District.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the completion of these projects is expected to reshape the urban layout and enhance mobility across the territory. The minister expressed confidence that the completion of the long-standing projects will dramatically alter the aesthetic and functional design of the city center. Wike stated, “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.”
Wike emphasized the visual and structural impact the completed interchanges and carriageways will have on the capital. Beyond physical infrastructure, he noted the positive socio-economic effects on local communities, with local youth being actively engaged in the construction efforts, fostering a peaceful environment free from community conflicts.
With the target deadline set for the end of December, the completion of these critical corridors is expected to decongest major traffic arteries, improve citywide connectivity, and usher in a modern urban era for the FCT. He praised the project’s main contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), for maintaining continuous operations on both the Southern Parkway and ISEX, a crucial artery originally awarded in 2014 that had experienced years of delays.
Wike highlighted the financial support from the federal government as a catalyst for the accelerated pace of work. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the complete release of funds for the ISEX Phase 1, an intervention that covers the construction of two major interchanges and over five kilometers of road infrastructure.
Commending CGC for progressing significantly despite delayed initial mobilisation, the minister urged other contractors in the FCT to adopt a similar approach focused on development over immediate financial gain. He reassured contractors that the administration remains committed to honoring its financial obligations and cautioned firms against external pressures from competitors seeking to slow down the pace of construction.