The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has reaffirmed that Abuja remains one of the safest cities in Nigeria, even as the FCT Administration intensifies efforts to complete key infrastructure projects across the territory.
Wike gave the assurance on Saturday during an inspection tour of ongoing projects, including the Wuye District Infrastructure and the Federal Highway 105 linking Umar Musa Yar’Adua Expressway to Kuje township.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, the Minister dismissed recent security concerns, stressing that isolated incidents should not be taken as evidence of general insecurity in the capital.
“If there is one safe city in this country, I think Abuja is that city,” Wike said. “We should give credit to the security agencies. They are doing a lot to ensure Abuja remains safe. One incident should not erase months of peace.”
He explained that the “Light Up Abuja” initiative, which involves installing solar-powered streetlights across the city, is part of broader efforts to enhance safety and visibility at night.
On the progress of infrastructure projects, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work in Wuye District, noting that the contractors—Arab Contractors Nigeria Ltd.—have assured that the ongoing road construction will be completed within 10 days.
In a statement by the Assistant Director, Press, Office of the Honourable Minister, Rabi Musa Umar, the Minister also lauded the progress on the eight-lane dual carriageway connecting Airport Road to Kuje, emphasizing that the project would drastically reduce travel time between Kuje and the city centre.
“With this road, residents of Kuje can get to the city centre in about 15 to 20 minutes,” he said. “We believe that, God willing, this project will be among those inaugurated during the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
Wike added that the level of infrastructure development in Kuje reflects the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to expand urban growth and make suburban areas more livable.
The Minister also spoke on the FCT Administration’s ongoing sanitation drive, confirming that new refuse disposal contracts will be awarded within two weeks to address indiscriminate waste dumping, particularly along Airport Road and in the Nyanya–Karshi corridor.
“We are taking strong measures to ensure Abuja remains clean. The new contracts will go only to companies with proven capacity,” he said.
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