Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, inspected more road projects that are expected to be completed by May 2024.
The projects inspected include the expansion of the Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to OSEX/Ring Road I (RRI) Junction, including four interchanges.
Others are the full-scope development of arterial road N20 from the Northern Parkway to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), with spurs being undertaken by Gilmore and the access road to Body of Benchers in the Institution and Research District.
The minister explained that the inspection was part of efforts to ensure that the road projects meet expected standards. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the ongoing road projects and assured that arrangements have been made for funding to ensure that they are completed within schedule.
Wike said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed him to ensure that the projects are well funded, adding that funds from the FCT’s 2023 supplementary budget would also be channelled to these projects to ensure their completion.
The FCT Minister, who disclosed that a lot of road projects in the FCT would be completed and commissioned by May next year, said: “The contractors have assured us that these roads will be completed on time and we believe, by the special grace of God, they are part of those projects earmarked for the celebration of one year in office of Mr President.”
Speaking further, the minister said: “We have made arrangements for funding. Mr President has said several times that he does not want excuses. He has given me that directive.
“They have approved the supplementary budget and we believe any moment from now we will see further funding, which would be channelled to most of these projects. So, you won’t hear complaints about no funding like they have said last time.”
On the quality of the road projects, Wike said: “The contractors have done very well, very quality jobs. I commend them and I appeal to them not to lower the standard. They have also assured us that they are going to complete them.”