President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for a job well done in the FCT and for making the project a reality, adding that the completion of the engineering infrastructure will bring about improvement in traffic flow in Wuye and the adjoining Districts of the Federal Capital City (FCC).
President Tinubu gave the commendation while officially unveiling the Wuye interchange across the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway connecting Wuye and Wuse Districts in the FCC, on the third day of project inauguration in the FCT.
According to the Director of Press (Office of the Minister), Anthony Ogunleye, in a statement, the commissioning ceremony took place today, May 30, 2024, at the newly built interchange/link bridge in Wuye District as part of the events to celebrate the President’s first anniversary.
Speaking during the exercise, President Tinubu stressed the significance of infrastructure development in driving economic progress and enhancing the well-being of FCT residents and other Nigerians.
He also emphasized the focus of his administration was people-oriented policies, adding that the provision of critical infrastructure in the FCT is a fulfillment of the promises made to Nigerians.
He said “The completion of this project brings governance closer to our people, making the people the central focus of our development and that is the way democracy should work.
“Our determination to succeed and extend happiness to the teeming population, bring about prosperity and value of immense proportion to our people is the goal of the government and thank you for making a dream realizable”.
In his address, the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike disclosed that the current FCT Administration, on assumption of office, identified and prioritized the provision of Wuye District Infrastructure and the completion of other ongoing projects, to improve the quality of life of FCT residents.
Barr. Wike stated the contract for the provision of infrastructure to the Wuye District was awarded in 2009 at the cost of N39 billion and was later revised to N75 billion. He expressed regret that the project remained uncompleted for a very long time.
The Minister used the opportunity to commend the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on the FCT, the DG, Debt Management Office and Area Council Chairmen for their support to the Administration’s efforts for the development of the Territory.
He also acknowledged the support enjoyed by the FCT Administration from President Tinubu, stressing that the exit of the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account was among the key factors that also contributed to the completion of ongoing projects in the FCT.
He said, “We will continue to appreciate you and I know that one will wonder at one of the projects you commissioned – the Southern Parkway, I know that anybody who passes that area will know that you have done well for the FCT and moving us out from the TSA has made it very possible. All these projects wouldn’t have been possible if you did not pull us out from the TSA”.
On her part, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud also thanked the President for his support in enhancing the city’s infrastructure which, she said, will benefit generations to come.
Dr Mahmoud also expressed gratitude to all those involved in the provision of engineering infrastructure in Wuye District, stressing that their dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the FCT.
Giving an overview of the project, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, said the completion of the Wuye link bridge will reduce the chaotic traffic situation around the Julius Berger roundabout, as well as reduce casualties and fatalities that have been recorded on the connectivity between Wuse and Wuye as well as other adjoining Districts.
He also disclosed that pedestrian walkways have also been provided on the interchange to enhance the seamless commuting by pedestrians between Wuse and Wuye Districts.