The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike said his administration will not award contracts to political and portfolio contractors that lack capacity to deliver.
Speaking after an inspection of ongoing road projects at Wuye and Airport Road to Kuje over the weekend, he said the Administration is set to award a new waste disposal contract, but only firms with the required capacity would be considered.
Regarding the road projects, he said the work recorded significant progress, especially in rock blasting and landscape preparation.
He commended Arab Contractors for the quality of work, saying that upon completion, the road would transform transportation and housing options for Kuje residents.
“By the time this road is commissioned, which is not less than 8 lanes, it won’t take 15 to 20 minutes to reach the city centre. That means residents of Kuje no longer need to relocate to the city before enjoying urban living. That’s what development and the Renewed Hope Agenda are all about,” Wike said.
The minister acknowledged that occasional incidents occur but maintained that Abuja remains one of the safest cities in Nigeria.
He linked ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the “Light Up Abuja” initiative, to security improvements.
“Light Up Abuja is not just to beautify the city but to enhance security. Security challenges happen everywhere, even in developed countries like the U.S. But Abuja has been relatively safe, and security agencies deserve credit,” he added.
“We are not happy with the situation, but everything is being done to ensure proper refuse disposal. We will no longer allow political contractors without capacity to handle such an important service,” he assured.
