The Federal Government has set a firm stance on ensuring that contractors who fail to meet project deadlines or quality standards in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are held accountable. Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, reiterated this commitment during a visit to inspect several critical infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and driving the economic growth of the territory.
Addressing journalists after his routine inspection on Friday, February 14, 2024, Wike emphasized that the government would not tolerate any delays or substandard work from contractors in Abuja. The Minister made it clear that any contractor failing to meet agreed-upon timelines or the quality expected of them would face serious consequences.
The projects inspected by the Minister included the construction of key road networks designed to enhance connectivity within the city. These projects include the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), which stretches from Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) to Wasa Junction. Also under construction is the service carriageway of the Inner Southern Expressway (INEX), which runs from Ring Road III to Ring Road IV, and features a significant 15-span bridge in the Idu Industrial Area.
These projects are part of the government’s broader efforts to improve infrastructure in the FCT, addressing issues of traffic congestion and enhancing the overall movement of goods and people within Abuja. The government has long recognized the importance of investing in critical infrastructure to ensure the continued development of the Federal Capital Territory, especially as the population grows and urbanisation continues.
While Wike acknowledged that the previous administration had initiated these projects, he praised the contractors involved for their efforts thus far. However, he made it clear that there were still issues that had delayed the completion of some of the work. The Minister commended the contractors for their performance, but also made it clear that any further delays would be unacceptable.
“The contractors executing these projects have mobilised significantly to the sites after resolving previous issues, and they are now committed to completing the projects on time,” Wike said. “We are confident they will deliver high-quality work, but if they fail, we will take appropriate action.”
The Minister pointed out that one of the reasons for previous delays was the issue of compensation and resettlement of communities along the OSEX left-hand service carriageway. He explained that these challenges had now been addressed, allowing construction to proceed without further hindrance.
One of the major issues delaying the OSEX project had been concerns related to compensation for people whose homes and land were affected by the construction. These resettlement issues were important to resolve to avoid further delays and to ensure the affected communities received fair compensation for their losses.
Another issue that had caused delays was the approval process for the INEX to cross over the rail line at Idu. According to Wike, approval from the Ministry of Transportation had been delayed, which had slowed down progress on that part of the project. However, he confirmed that the approval had now been granted, and work was expected to move forward more swiftly.
“Looking at the bridge, you can see it’s serious work,” Wike said when discussing the INEX project. “What delayed it was the approval from the Ministry of Transportation for the crossing over the rail line. But now that the approval has come, we believe that more work will be done.”
The Minister also shared that the contractor in charge of the OSEX project, CGC, had committed to speeding up work to ensure the road is completed and ready for handover by May 2024. The 15-kilometre section of OSEX from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction is a key part of improving the flow of traffic within Abuja, and its timely completion is a priority for the government.
Wike’s strong statement on the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards contractors who fail to deliver on time reflects the administration’s determination to address the pressing infrastructure needs of Abuja. This approach is vital as the city continues to grow, and traffic congestion remains a major challenge.
“The OSEX project was delayed due to compensation and resettlement issues, but now that these have been resolved, CGC has mobilised significantly,” Wike stated. “They have promised to speed up the work and complete it by May. The same applies to the INEX project, which is expected to be completed by the end of May.”
The Federal Government is keen to ensure that critical projects within Abuja are not delayed further, and it has made it clear that any contractor found to be responsible for such delays will face serious consequences. Wike’s remarks send a strong message to contractors working within the FCT that the government will not tolerate any failure to meet deadlines.
The completion of the OSEX and INEX projects will have a significant impact on the overall connectivity and economic development of Abuja. These road networks are expected to ease traffic congestion, which is a major challenge in the capital city. They will also help to enhance the movement of goods and services, which is critical for boosting economic activity within the FCT.
Abuja, as the nation’s capital, plays a central role in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Therefore, ensuring that the city is well-connected and equipped with modern infrastructure is key to supporting the broader goals of national development.
The construction of these roads and the accompanying bridge in Idu will also improve access to key industrial areas, such as the Idu Industrial Area, which is vital for business operations in the region. The enhanced infrastructure will facilitate smoother movement for both commercial vehicles and residents, contributing to greater efficiency in the city.
