Wike warns contractors against contract variations in the rehabilitation of 135 highways.

Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has warned contractors in charge of the renovation of 135 roads in the capital city and civil engineering services against contract modifications.

Wike issued the warning when launching the projects in Abuja on Monday, claiming that they will be completed in six months.
He stated that the FCT would pay all contractors in order for them to complete the project within the agreed-upon deadline.

“Let me warn the contractors: everything you’re doing with engineering services will not work again.”There is no such thing as variation; it will not work. Kobo, one naira, will become N15 in the following seven days; it will not work again; it will not work, so don’t even attempt it. This job contains no variety.

“We have enough money to pay you.” So, going to engineering services and doing anything with them will not work.”We’re giving you your money, and I promise you that no one owes you anything. “We’re going to pay you, and you have to finish within the time frame we agreed on,” he stated.

He further informed Mr. Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary, FCT Administration, that he would not entertain any paper requesting reconsideration or a file for unanticipated concerns, stating that “everything has been considered and anticipated.”

The minister urged citizens to help the contractors finish the job on time, noting that no development is without pain.

He also asked traditional rulers for help in ensuring that youths and all inhabitants of their villages backed the contractors in completing the task on schedule.

Wike congratulated Mr. Christopher Maikalangu, Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, for openly stating the council chairmen’s willingness to collaborate with the FCT Administration in the interests of FCT citizens.

Earlier, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the FCT, stated that the FCT Administration has made tremendous progress in the transformation of the capital city in the three weeks that Mr. Project (Wike) was in office.

Mahmoud stated that the issue of streetlights had been handled, sanitation was being addressed, and the road infrastructure will be transformed to benefit the locals.

Adesola, FCTA’s Permanent Secretary, further stated that the projects entailed the restoration and resurfacing of 135 existing roads as well as bridge rehabilitation in various districts within the FCT.

“This transformative project, according to him, will significantly impact the lives of the people of the federal capital,” he stated.

He pushed the contractors to adhere to the agreed-upon timeframe for project completion, adding, “Your money is available for payment; it is up to you to work and get paid.”

Mr. Ahmed Hadi, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, stated that many of the roads in Phase I, which were built in the 1980s, had deteriorated.

Hadi stated that the project will include scarification and removal of old asphalt in some areas, while asphalt overlay would be used in others.

He stated that 135 roads in Wuse, Garki, and certain districts in Maitama and Asokoro, totaling 42 km, would be engaged.
“When finished, there will be improved traffic flow and reduced travel time, and the roads will be a little safer,” he said.

Mr. Muktar Betara, Chairman of the House Committee on FCT, voiced confidence in Wike’s capacity to execute on the FCT’s revolutionary agenda.

He promised the minister of the committee’s assistance in his mission to make the FCT the preferred destination for all Nigerians.

Similarly, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, the Ona of Abaji, congratulated the minister for taking a big step towards delivering the dividend of democracy to the citizens of the city and assured him of the traditional council’s support.

In his remarks, Maikalangu praised Wike for the commendable achievement and urged that the gesture be extended to rural communities to supplement the efforts of the six Area Councils in speeding development in the region.

He assured the minister of the council chairmen’s commitment to seeing the projects through to completion.
Mr. Obada Zabadne, Chief Executive Officer, ZBMC Ltd., responded on behalf of the contractors, acknowledging the government’s faith and trust in delivering great projects.

He assured the minister that the contractors were committed to exceeding expectations and meeting deadlines.