KEMI OMONIYI
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, has said that the era of awarding contracts without cash backing is over as he would not subscribe to such.
Wike stated this during his routine inspection tour to ongoing construction on the Outer Southern Expressway, beginning from AA Rano behind the Presidential Villa through Deeper Life Junction, SARS, Apo Roundabout to Wassa; under construction by Messrs CGC Construction Limited, and the Northern N20 Expressway beginning from AA Rano and stretching to Zuba; being constructed by Gilmor Construction, in Abuja.
The Minister, however, disclosed that arrangements had been made to get more funding for the completion of the projects.
“For me, we have made arrangements for funding. Mr. President has said severally that he doesn’t want to hear excuses. He has given that directive, and they have approved the Supplementary budget, and we believe that any moment from now, we will receive further funding, which will be channelled to most of these projects, so we won’t hear complaints about no funding.
“I am not going to embark on any project where we know we have no funding; it does not make any sense. No project will be awarded where we know we have no funds. And even when there are funds, and it is not enough, I will not embark on such projects, so that we don’t need to suffer the people.”
Speaking further, he expressed optimism that ongoing road construction projects will be completed in the coming year, to mark the first-year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu in office.
The Minister, who expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done so far, noted that construction work had been suspended on both roads before his assumption of office, arising from challenges with sourcing funds to carry out the construction.
“When I came on board, these roads were abandoned, and I had to invite the contractors, and then we sat down, and we agreed on a way of funding. I am happy that it has worked out very well, and the contractors have assured us that these roads will be constructed on time, and we believe that by the special grace of God, it is one of those projects earmarked for one year in office for Mr. President.
“The contractors have done very well, very quality jobs, I commend them, and I still appeal to them not to lower standard, because at the end of the day, they will still come back to repeat and make sure that things are done well. I believe in them, and the other jobs they are doing, they have also assured us that they are going to complete them.”
