The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has emphasized that delivering clean water to Abuja’s satellite towns is a top priority for President Bola Tinubu.
Wike made this known on Friday during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja, while addressing questions about his recent trip to China. The minister visited China on May 1 to conclude discussions with the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group (CGCOC) on a major water supply initiative.
He noted that the FCT Administration had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CGCOC for the provision of water to satellite towns, and his visit was a follow-up to advance the project. He recalled that part of the Tinubu administration’s promise was to deliver on the Abuja City Water Supply project, with components expected to be completed along Airport Road by the administration’s second year.
According to Wike, President Tinubu specifically directed that satellite towns must also have access to clean water. “This is a critical project for Mr. President,” he stated. “Funding for the project has been included in both the National and FCT Statutory Budgets, which have been laid before the National Assembly.”
The project will begin in Bwari, Karu, and parts of Kubwa, with the procurement process already underway through the Bureau of Public Procurement. The same contractor handling the Greater Abuja Water Supply, CGCOC, will execute this project.
Wike praised President Tinubu for supporting the FCT Administration’s efforts to deliver impactful projects across sectors including roads, healthcare, and education. He revealed that 85% of the proposed FCT Statutory Budget would go toward completing ongoing projects, with only 15% allocated for new ones.
He stressed that the administration’s development agenda goes beyond road infrastructure. “We are also focused on healthcare and education,” he said, pointing out that a significant portion of the budget is allocated to renovating schools and enhancing educational infrastructure.
Approximately ₦140 billion has been earmarked for capital projects in the education sector alone.
“Our goal is not to initiate new projects, but to complete the ones already started and revive abandoned ones for public benefit,” Wike concluded.