…Wike Decries Slow Pace of Work on Pai–Gomani Road Project in Kwali
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to collaborate with private sector operators to ensure efficient and safe operation of bus terminals across the territory.
FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Saturday, shortly after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects within the Abuja metropolis and the Area Councils.
Wike said the Administration intends to work with private individuals who will provide buses and taxis painted in the official Abuja colours. He noted that government will initially deploy its own fleet to kick-start operations, stressing that the move will reduce the menace of “one chance” incidents by making vehicles more easily identifiable.
“Eventually, the government will have to partner with private individuals, but for now government has to make its own contribution so we can begin operation of the bus terminals with vehicles painted in Abuja colours. This will help us eliminate the ‘one chance’ syndrome because commuters will be able to identify the vehicles,” he said.
During the inspection of the Central Business District (CBD) bus terminal, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, describing the facility as superior to the recently commissioned Kugbo and Mabushi terminals. He added that the contractor has assured completion before the end of the year, in readiness for the arrival of the new buses procured by the Administration.
Turning attention to the 15-kilometre Pai–Gomani road in Kwali Area Council, Wike expressed strong displeasure over the slow progress of work. He noted that the project, which predates the already completed and commissioned A2–Pai road of equal length, has suffered unjustifiable delays.
The Minister also condemned unauthorized attempts to vary the project cost, revealing that the proposed variation was nearly equal to the original contract sum — far beyond his approval limit.
“Frankly speaking, I’m not impressed. That road was awarded before the A2 to Pai road which we have already commissioned. There appears to be poor communication between the STDD and the contractor,” Wike stated.
He warned that any officials in the Satellite Town Development Department found culpable of approving or facilitating variations without following due process will be sanctioned. Wike emphasized that only the President and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) have the authority to approve such substantial variations.
Despite the challenges, the Minister announced the award of a new 13-kilometre Gomani–Yangoji road project to Zeberced Construction Company, the same firm that executed the A2–Pai road. He expressed confidence that the contractor would deliver a quality project ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary.
Wike reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to rural infrastructure development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He cited the re-awarded Apo–Karshi road, the Kubwa–Bwari road, and other ongoing projects across the Area Councils as clear evidence of unprecedented investment in satellite towns.
“This is the first time satellite towns have been given priority. The abandoned Apo–Karshi road has been cancelled and re-awarded to SCC, and serious work is ongoing. The same contractor is handling the Kubwa–Bwari road.
We also have major road works where the quarries are in Kubwa. I am happy with the level of development this administration is bringing, not only to the city but also to the satellite towns,” he said.
