By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that several key infrastructure projects across Abuja are ready for commissioning ahead of the third anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Wike made the declaration on Monday after an extensive inspection tour of ongoing and completed projects across the capital city, including the Renewed Hope City Access Road in Karsana, the Old Keffi Road rehabilitation, FCT Highway 105 (Airport Road to Kuje), the Kuje–Gwagwalada Road Phase One, and the Abuja City Gate remodeling project.

Describing the inspection as highly successful, the minister said he was satisfied with the level of work delivered, noting that most of the projects were now at completion stage and ready for inauguration in June.

“It’s a very fantastic job… that is what is called governance. I’m very proud of the contractor, Arab Contractors,” Wike said during the inspection.

According to him, the Renewed Hope City Access Road, being handled by Lubriks, had reached 98 percent completion and would soon be delivered for use, adding that it would unlock access to thousands of housing units within the district.

He also confirmed that the 17-kilometre Old Keffi Road project had been cleared for commissioning, with final works such as asphalt laying and streetlight installation nearing completion. The road, he said, would significantly improve connectivity between Kado, Life Camp, Dei-Dei and adjoining communities.

On the Airport Road–Kuje corridor executed by Arab Contractors, Wike described the project as a “stellar example of governance in action,” while also commending Gilmor for delivering Phase One of the Kuje–Gwagwalada Road.

At the Abuja City Gate remodeling site, the minister said the project—executed by Julius Berger—would give the capital a modern and welcoming entry point when completed.

He credited the initiative to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, describing it as her “brainchild.”

“This is what you have when you have a good woman who means well for the administration of her husband… I am very happy with Julius Berger,” he added.

Wike also reacted to political developments in Rivers State, particularly the emergence of Kingsley Chinda as the APC governorship candidate.

He described Chinda as a seasoned political figure and expressed no surprise at his emergence.

The minister, however, criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara over his earlier decision to obtain the APC governorship nomination form despite alleged political agreements tied to ongoing reconciliation efforts in the state.

“Collecting the form first didn’t show signs of gentlemanship… but he has withdrawn, and a candidate has emerged,” Wike stated.