By our Reporter
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said that the provision of rural and satellite town infrastructure will stimulate local economies and reduce pressure on city centres.
Wike stated this on Wednesday after inspecting ongoing road projects across satellite communities in the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister explained that the focus on developing suburban areas aligns with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accelerate growth in satellite towns and curb rural-urban migration.
During the inspection tour, Wike visited key projects, including the 13-kilometre Karu road, Apo-Karshi road, the ongoing construction of the Bwari-Kubwa road, and the rehabilitation of the Gbazango (Arab Road) in Kubwa.
He noted that improving access through road infrastructure would unlock economic opportunities in these communities while decongesting the city centre.
According to him, the ongoing transformation under the current administration has strengthened public confidence, particularly among residents of the FCT.
Wike attributed the growing support to the deliberate policy of extending development beyond Abuja city to underserved rural and satellite areas.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work by contractors, including Zeberced Nigeria Ltd, Arab Contractors and Abdul Val Construction Company Ltd, expressing confidence that the projects would be delivered on schedule.
At the Gbazango road project in Kubwa, the minister commended the quality of work, particularly the three-layer asphalt process, noting that the road would significantly impact economic activities in the area.
On calls for the creation of a new agency to regulate real estate activities, Wike rejected the proposal, insisting that existing bodies such as the Federal Capital Development Authority are capable of addressing the challenges.
He stressed that rather than establishing new agencies, efforts should be focused on strengthening existing institutions to ensure accountability and protect citizens from exploitation.
The minister also called on residents to support government efforts, particularly during the Eid-el-Fitr period, emphasizing unity and collective responsibility in driving development and improving security.
He assured residents that more infrastructure projects would be delivered while measures to enhance security across the FCT would be sustained.
Wike wished residents a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
