.Assures Commitment to Infrastructure Development Despite Financial Constraints
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has confirmed the submission of the FCT Administration’s (FCTA) 2025 budget to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transmission to the National Assembly, raising concerns about potential funding challenges in the coming fiscal year.
Wike made this known on Thursday during an inspection visit to ongoing project sites in Abuja, where he reassured residents of the administration’s commitment to completing critical infrastructure despite financial constraints.
“As of yesterday, I sent our 2025 budget, and by today or tomorrow, Mr. President will have transmitted it to the National Assembly. The 2024 budget will expire in June, and for now, we are still utilizing the funds allocated for this year’s projects,” he stated.
However, he acknowledged that once the 2025 budget is passed, funding constraints could pose a challenge.
“We anticipate funding challenges, but we are prepared to navigate them,” Wike assured.
Despite financial hurdles, the minister reaffirmed his administration’s determination to push forward with FCT’s transformation agenda.
“I have never been disappointed in my life, and I do not see failure. Challenges exist, but we are here to tackle and overcome them. For now, we don’t foresee any obstacles that will hinder these projects,” he declared.
In addition to budgetary concerns, Wike emphasized the need to cultivate a maintenance culture for public infrastructure, citing past neglect as a significant challenge.
“One major problem we face as a country is a lack of maintenance culture, and we must change that. Take the International Conference Center, for example when completed, we will have a maintenance contract with Julius Berger, ensuring that a portion of the revenue generated is reinvested into its upkeep,” he explained.
The minister criticized previous instances where public infrastructure was mismanaged or handed over to individuals for personal gain.
“You know what happened last time it was given to one senator who was making money off it while allowing the structure to deteriorate. That will no longer be business as usual. We will ensure that public facilities remain in top shape,” Wike stressed.
Highlighting the economic potential of completed projects, he noted that maintaining a world-class International Conference Center would attract global events, creating economic opportunities for the FCT.
“Nigeria needs a world-class International Conference Center, comparable to any other in the world. When it was built, it was a major hub for global summits. While we have plans for a second one, we must first maintain what we have before expanding further,” he added.
Wike also confirmed that key road projects across Abuja would be inaugurated during the second anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
“We shall also inaugurate those projects during the second year of our service as President. Now again, we are here at this interchange Gishiri. Behind us leads to Maitama, and you can see that the communities are cooperating. Companies in Gishiri have also complied with necessary demolitions, allowing Gilmore to continue its work. Other connecting roads leading to George’s Quarters are also progressing well,” Wike stated.
The minister revealed that CGC, the construction firm handling multiple projects, has assured completion in time for the scheduled inauguration.
“These are not the only projects we will commission. We also have major road projects in satellite towns like Tupai, Aguma, and Oshafa, all of which are advancing smoothly. Tomorrow, we will visit Oslox for further inspection of the road projects being handled by CGC and FADEDEM,” he added.
With the submission of the 2025 budget and a renewed focus on infrastructure sustainability, the FCT Administration remains committed to its mission of enhancing Abuja’s development while ensuring long-term economic viability.
