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The Minister of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has hailed the timely completion of the Gomani–Dafa–Yangoji road project, attributing it to the communities’ participation in infrastructure projects.
According to Wike, this approach has transformed how infrastructure projects are selected and delivered in the FCT.
Speaking at the flag-off and commissioning ceremony for the road, the FCT Minister said the project was completed in less than 12 months, describing the achievement as evidence that timely project delivery depends more on commitment than on technical complexity.
Wike commended the contractor for fulfilling its promise to complete the project within the agreed timeline, recalling that he had questioned whether the work could be finished within eight or nine months.
“I know I asked the contractor when the job was awarded, are you sure that you complete this road in eight or nine months? And he said, yes, he was going to do that,” said Wike.
“So let me thank the managing director and their team for keeping to the promise of completing this road.”
Wike also disclosed that another road project being handled by the same contractor would be commissioned on July 17.
The FCT minister said the current administration introduced a new approach to infrastructure planning by directing ministers to return to area councils and consult residents before selecting projects.
According to him, the process marked a departure from previous practices in which projects were approved without adequate consultation with the communities they were meant to serve.
“In essence, it’s the first time, what we may say, community participation. Community participation in projects to be carried out in the area councils.
Wike argued that the stakeholder engagement process ensures that infrastructure projects reflect the actual needs of local communities rather than the preferences of individuals lobbying government officials.
