Gwarinpa Interchange Ready In 3 Months, Says Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced Friday that the ongoing construction of the Gwarinpa interchange will be completed within three months.

Wike stated this while inspecting the Interchange Bridge and Arterial Road N16, a major corridor linking Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi and Gwarimpa.

The project is being executed by CBC Global, one of the contractors that commenced preliminary works in 2024.

Speaking during the inspection, the Minister praised the contractor’s commitment, noting that despite challenges with timely funding, the firm has continued to deliver impressive results.

Wike said, “Let me first commend the contractors, CBC Global. It’s amazing what they have done. I came here in November last year when they were doing piling works. From what we have seen today, they have done very well. They have promised that in the next three months, the interchange will be completed.”

Wike said he was particularly struck by the contractor’s confidence and dedication even without full government payments.

“What surprises me is their confidence, considering we have not funded them very well. But you can see the level of work and the quality. We will ensure we fund them properly so they can complete the work as promised,” he said.

He further thanked President Bola Tinubu for the trust reposed in the FCT Administration, noting that the confidence of the President was encouraging contractors to keep working.

The minister described the interchange as a key project that will significantly ease the notorious traffic congestion around the Gwarimpa axis.

“This will decongest the traffic situation that leads to Gwarimpa Estate. Residents will be happy when this is completed. What we are doing is to make Abuja compete with other cities around the world,” he said.

The interchange and connecting Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) form part of the full-scope development from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, including two major interchange bridges.

1. The RRI to N20 (Solomon Lar Way) section was earlier commissioned by President Tinubu to mark his second year in office.
2. The N20 to RRII segment is being constructed under the Jahi District Infrastructure Project.
3. The section now under close attention by Wike spans RRIII to N40, connecting to the corridor leading to the Renewed Hope Estate in Karsana.

The stretch also traverses the Gwarimpa Housing Estate, which will enhance access to Bunkoro, Wupa and the commercial hub of Sector Centre E, and it comprises the districts of Gwarimpa II (C03), Kafe (C05), Wupa (C15) and Bunkoro (C18).

Responding to questions about rumours alleging his arrest in France last week, Wike said he had no time for distractions, noting that he was inspecting projects in Kubwa/Bwari on the day the rumour circulated.

“People will try to distract you. They said I was sick and flown overseas; now they say I was arrested in France. But on that same day, we were inspecting projects. What matters is to remain focused,” he said.

Wike insisted that his confidence is from the satisfaction of President Tinubu and the goal of delivering on the administration’s mandate.

The Minister said, “As far as your boss, the President, is happy with your work, you should not bother about critics. With time, people stop reading such junk. Critics will always play politics, but you must remain focused.”

Wike also addressed the defection of 16 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly from the PDP, describing the development as “unfortunate but within their rights.”

“Everybody has a right to make a choice. The party is factionalized, and the Constitution allows members to leave in such circumstances,” he said.

While noting that he remains a member of the PDP, he cautioned the party to “put its house in order” or risk weakening itself further.

He said, “Sixteen or seventeen left out of twenty-seven; we still have about ten. Those who have remained, we will continue to work together. Those who left are free to do so.”

Wike reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to transforming Abuja into a world-class city through sustained infrastructure development.

“Tell the people of Abuja that this administration means well. These are the things that happen when contractors have confidence in the administration, nothing can stop progress,” he added