Wike Commences 3.8km Katampe Road Construction

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday commenced the construction of a 3.8-kilometer Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel I. Ogala Street) from Arterial Road N16 (Yemi Osinbajo Way) within Katampe District.

Wike described the project as a “key” that will open up the Gishiri area and enhance connectivity within the city.

Speaking during the ceremony on Thursday in Abuja, Wike said the project was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure that every part of the FCT experiences infrastructural transformation, adding that the road would be among the projects to be inaugurated during the President’s third anniversary in office.

“We are here today to commence another important project that will lead to the opening up of the Gishiri area. When Mr. President commissioned the interchange and dualization of the Maitama-Gishiri road in June, we discovered that without this link road, the project would not make sense,” Wike said.

He explained that the construction firm, CGC Nigeria Limited, was instructed to begin preliminary work even before formal award of the contract, noting that the company demonstrated confidence in President Tinubu’s administration by prioritizing public interest over bureaucratic delays.

“I want to commend CGC for having that trust and confidence in the government of Mr. President. They started work even before the contract was awarded because they believed in our vision for Abuja and the well-being of residents,” the minister stated.

Wike also highlighted the economic impact of the project, while predicting that it would trigger a sharp rise in property value and commercial activities within the area.

“When this road is completed and inaugurated in the third year of Mr. President’s administration, property values here will skyrocket, from ₦300m today to ₦700m or even ₦1bn. That is what good governance and infrastructure investment bring,” he said.

The minister assured residents that the President Tinubu-led administration is committed to achieving a massive infrastructure turnaround by next year, which coincides with Abuja’s 50th anniversary in February 2026.

“Next year will be different altogether. Abuja people will witness the kind of infrastructure revolution that has never happened since the city was created. By February 2026, when the FCT turns 50, you will see a new Abuja,” he added.

He called on CGC to employ local workers and contractors to boost job creation and ensure community support for timely completion.

“I believe CGC will continue to use local content so that our people are employed and included in the supply chain. Residents too should cooperate with the company to deliver this project on schedule,” Wike urged.

The Minister also spoke about ongoing projects in the territory, including water supply schemes in Karu, Karshi, Orozo, and Bwari, and the dualization of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) leading to Apo-Wassa, which he said would transform the FCT’s transportation landscape.

On the ongoing Light-Up Abuja Project, Wike reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to overcome sabotage and complete it before the capital city’s golden jubilee.

“If there’s one project we must achieve, it is the Light-Up Abuja project. There will be sabotage and distractions, but we are determined. By February next year, when Abuja turns 50, everything must be in place,” he emphasized.

While expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve during a historic period in the FCT, Wike humorously described himself and his team as “golden ministers” privileged to oversee the city’s transformation at 50.

“Some of us have been lucky, golden governors and now golden ministers. It is not everyone that gets that grace. So don’t envy us; just pray that one day, you will occupy such a position too,” he said.