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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that local contractors have come of age and can compete with foreign firms, following the successful completion of the Karu road network project by an indigenous company.
Speaking at the inauguration of the rehabilitated and expanded roads from Karu Interchange to Customs Clinic Junction on Monday, Wike said he had initially doubted the capabilities of local contractors but was proven wrong by the performance of M/S Abdul Val Limited, the firm that executed the project.
“Initially, I was sceptical of allowing this company to carry out this job. Why? Because of my experience as a local government chairman, as a governor of the state. I’ve always believed that when you give local contractors money to do work, they start eating the profits before the job is done,” Wike said.
However, Wike said the contractor proved his capabilities after being given a trial project last year.
“This young man came to the office crying that we should give him the opportunity. Mr. President, if you recollect last year, you commissioned the World College Roads. That was the trial. That was the project we used to try this local contractor. And he showcased himself. And he disappointed me by letting me know that local contractors have come of age, and they can do what other foreign companies can do,” Wike added.
The minister praised the contractor for remaining on site despite payment delays, a rare commitment he said was commendable.
“I’ve seen that whether the money is there to pay him or not, he will never abandon the site. He will continue to work. I say, Mr. Minister, I believe in this government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I will do everything, and I know at the end of the day, I will be paid,” Wike quoted the contractor as saying.
“Mr. President, it is rare in these our days to find people who will commit their money and carry out this kind of assignment.”
President Bola Tinubu was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Wike recalled that the project began with a single road but expanded to include multiple routes in response to residents’ requests, including the Custom Road, EFCC Road, Headquarters Road, and an association road.
The minister said the project demonstrated that development benefits everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
“I don’t know who does not like good things. It doesn’t matter the political party you belong to. It doesn’t matter the association you belong to. But when you see good things, you say this is a good thing. Whether anybody hates you or not, he cannot hate this road. The opposition people use this road. Those in government use this road. Those who say they are not politicians, they use this road,” Wike said.
The project is among those scheduled for inauguration during activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
