Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that indigenous contractors have come of age and are now capable of delivering projects to the same standard as their foreign counterparts, following the successful completion of the Karu road project in Abuja.
Speaking during the commissioning of the road by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, Wike disclosed that he initially had reservations about awarding the contract to a local firm, Abdul-Val Constructions Limited, because of his previous experiences with some indigenous contractors who failed to deliver after collecting mobilisation funds.
“I was initially sceptical about giving this company the job because of my past experience as a local government chairman and governor. When you give some local contractors money to build, they start eating the profit before commencing the job. Before you know it, you are chasing them around and even involving the police. I didn’t want that experience again,” Wike said.
The minister explained that the contractor personally appealed for an opportunity, prompting the FCT Administration to first test the firm’s capacity with the execution of the War College-Ushafa Road project commissioned last year.
“But this young man came to my office pleading that we should give him the opportunity. If you remember, last year we commissioned the War College-Ushafa Road. That was the trial project. He showcased himself and convinced me that local contractors have come of age and can do what foreign companies can do,” he stated.
Wike further commended the contractor for demonstrating commitment by keeping work ongoing even when payments had not been made.
“One thing I noticed is that whether the money was available or not, they never abandoned the site. They kept working and kept telling me, ‘Mr. Minister, I believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I will complete the project because I know government will pay.’ That kind of confidence is rare these days, and I want to sincerely commend him.”
He noted that the contractor fulfilled his promise by completing not only the road but also the accompanying drainage infrastructure in time for the President’s third anniversary project commissioning programme.
“I was afraid we would not finish this job before the anniversary activities, but he assured me that it would be completed. Today, he has fulfilled that promise, and on behalf of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, I say thank you for believing in this government.”
The minister said the successful execution of the project has strengthened his confidence in indigenous construction firms and demonstrated that Nigerian companies can deliver quality infrastructure when given the opportunity.
Wike also revealed that President Tinubu had approved the construction of all roads within Karu Town, noting that the administration has fulfilled its promise to residents by delivering the requested infrastructure.
“As you are coming into this area, you can see that the entire landscape has changed. We promised the people of Karu that all the roads they requested, including the EFCC Road, DSS Road, hospital road and others, would be constructed. Today, we have fulfilled that promise.”
He maintained that quality infrastructure should be appreciated irrespective of political affiliation.
“I don’t know who does not like good things. It doesn’t matter the political party you belong to. When you see good things, you acknowledge them. Nobody can hate this road because this is what development is supposed to be.”
The minister thanked President Tinubu for his continued support to the FCT Administration, noting that the President had devoted nine days out of the 14-day project commissioning programme to personally inaugurate projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that the reconstruction of roads in Karu and the adjoining Nyanya-Mararaba corridor would significantly improve traffic flow and enhance the quality of life for residents.
“We want every community and every district in the FCT to know that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, development will reach every part of Abuja. All we ask is for Nigerians to continue supporting this government because, in the end, everyone will benefit,” Wike said.
