The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has announced that the implementation of the territory's 2026 capital budget has surpassed 60%. This disclosure was made during an inspection of ongoing road and infrastructure projects in various areas of Abuja, including Kaura, Life Camp, Gwarimpa, and the IBB International Golf Course. Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of the projects, despite the late release of funds.
According to Wike, the contractors handling the projects have given firm assurances of completion, with some expected to be delivered by December and others in the first week of January. The road and bridge project in the Kaura District, being executed by Infiouest, is expected to be handed over on December 15. Similarly, Julius Berger is expected to complete the N5 project in Life Camp and the adjoining road linking the area to the Old Keffi Road by December.
The N16 project in the Gwarimpa axis, being handled by CBC Global, has posed significant engineering challenges due to its terrain and bridges. However, the contractor has assured the administration of delivery by the first week of January. Wike emphasized that the completion of this project will significantly transform the entire Gwarimpa area. The minister also inspected rehabilitation work at the IBB International Golf Course, which was shut following a dispute among some members.
The Federal Government has directed that everything necessary be done to reopen the facility, which is used by the President and members of the diplomatic community. Wike said Julius Berger, which is handling the rehabilitation, has assured the administration that the golf course will be ready for a tournament scheduled for November. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the projects, attributing it to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he said has redefined infrastructure in the FCT.
Wike added that the completion of the projects before the end of the year will amount to a Christmas gift for residents of the capital. He also responded to questions on the progress of the FCT budget, stating that the administration has commenced steady implementation of the 2026 appropriation following its assent by President Bola Tinubu. The minister explained that delays in the release of funds affected payments to some contractors, particularly Julius Berger.
However, Wike said the contractors resumed work after funds became available. He emphasized that the FCT has so far achieved more than 60% implementation of its 2026 capital budget, despite the late release of funds. The minister's comments come amid questions over financing of FCT infrastructure projects and allegations concerning borrowing by the administration. Wike maintained that government borrowing for projects must follow the required budgetary and legislative processes.
Wike also responded to questions concerning his recent comments on the 2023 presidential election and the strategy adopted by the PDP G5 governors. He said political parties and candidates adopt strategies during elections and argued that interpretations of voting patterns based solely on social media activity can be misleading. The minister emphasized that the electoral outcome should be assessed through actual polling-unit results and the established legal process rather than assumptions drawn from social media trends.
Key points
- The FCT has achieved over 60% implementation of its 2026 capital budget.
- Major infrastructure projects in Abuja are nearing completion, with some expected to be delivered by December and others in January.
- The completion of the projects will significantly transform the infrastructure landscape in the FCT.
