The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday commenced the provision of engineering infrastructure in Guzape District (A09) and Asokoro (A04), and warned officials against the sale and naming of streets after private individuals.
Speaking during the ceremony, Wike described the event as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to ensure that every district in the FCT benefits from infrastructure development and efficient road connectivity.
“When I saw A09, I remembered signing Certificates of Occupancy for this area. Many people say there’s no infrastructure, but today, we are here to begin roads in Guzape Lot 1 and 2 and part of Asokoro linking the AIT neighbourhood. This is the impact of President Tinubu’s administration,” Wike said.
The minister recalled that some areas of Asokoro and Guzape had been neglected for years due to a lack of road networks, stressing that the new administration was determined to reverse the trend.
“If previous governments had taken Abuja’s development seriously, we wouldn’t still be talking about completing these layouts. But now that a new government is determined to change the narrative, we must support it so everyone can benefit from the dividends of democracy,” he stated.
Wike, however, warned against the controversial naming of streets and accused some officials of accepting money to name roads after individuals without government approval.
“You cannot just wake up and name a street because someone paid you N2m. That will not happen again. Streets must be named after people who have contributed to the growth and development of the area — not because of money,” he warned.
He further said, “Go to the satellite towns if you want to sell street names, not here in the city. Even where I live, I woke up one morning and saw a strange name on the street. That era is over. If anyone has collected money for street naming, they should refund it.”
The FCT Minister also urged contractors handling the project, Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Ltd., to complete the works within schedule and employ local youths to stimulate economic activities within the community.
“I have confidence in Dantata and Sawoe. They are indigenous but with foreign expertise. Please use your experience to complete this project on time. The President has promised that Nigerians will see real change; that’s the essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Wike said.
He further tasked FCT residents, especially youths, to support the project’s smooth execution and avoid obstructing contractors, warning that delays could increase costs and affect government finances.
Wike urged all public officials in the FCT to make meaningful impact in their various mandates, saying every appointee must show visible results.
“Wherever you are — in transport, education, health, or agriculture, make sure that when you leave, you can point to what you achieved. There will be no excuses for failure,” the minister added.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the new road infrastructure would open up the Guzape and Asokoro districts, boost connectivity, reduce travel time, and ease traffic congestion on adjoining routes.
“Beyond opening up these districts for development, the road networks and associated infrastructure will enhance connectivity between neighbourhoods, improving safety and accessibility,” Mahmoud said.
She commended members of the National Assembly for their legislative support and hailed Wike’s “dynamic and purposeful leadership” in driving the administration’s vision for a more developed capital city.
Earlier, the Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the contract covers 24 short routes totaling about 9.2 kilometres, with provisions for drainage, water distribution networks, street lighting, power supply, and telecommunication ducts.
He said the project would create jobs during construction and enhance living conditions upon completion.
“When completed, the project will provide good access routes, enhance interconnectivity, and improve security and the standard of living of residents in Asokoro and Guzape,” Dauda noted.
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