The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs will be created through the ongoing expansion of water supply to satellite towns in Abuja.
Wike made this known during the official flag-off ceremony of the water supply construction project in Bwari Township, Bwari Area Council, on Wednesday. He said the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the lives of people living in rural and underdeveloped areas of the capital.
According to the Minister, the project is not only aimed at providing clean and potable water, but also at delivering meaningful development to the grassroots while generating employment for youth and residents.
“In 2023, after we were appointed, we held stakeholder meetings with the six area councils, and we made a promise that the president is determined to provide clean water to the satellite towns,” Wike said.
“Some people thought it was just political talk. But one thing you must give to President Tinubu is that he fulfils his promises. Today, we are in Bwari, and tomorrow we’ll be in Karu. That means we are covering two area councils simultaneously,” he added.
The water expansion project is being executed by CGC Nigeria Limited, and is expected to run for 18 months. However, Wike revealed that the contractors have been asked to fast-track the work so that it can be commissioned by the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration in 2026.
He further disclosed that the president had already approved 50 percent of the contract sum to ensure a smooth and timely completion of the project.
“This is the first time a government is telling rural communities, ‘you deserve access to clean, treated water’ – and not just talking, but actually doing it,” Wike stated. “Water is life. This project is about improving people’s lives, not just infrastructure.”
The Minister noted that by the time projects in Bwari and Karu are completed, the focus will shift to Kuje and Kwali in next year’s budget, followed by Gwagwalada and Abaji in 2027.
He assured the people that no project under his leadership would be abandoned, stressing the administration’s focus on delivering tangible results across all FCT communities.
“Let me assure you – this will not be an abandoned project,” he declared. “We don’t start and leave things halfway. When we begin, we finish.”
Wike also emphasized the importance of job creation in the implementation of infrastructure projects. According to him, the water project alone will provide employment to more than 1,600 individuals, both directly and indirectly, in construction, logistics, operations, and maintenance.
“For our teeming youths looking for work, this is a good opportunity,” he said. “Beyond just water, this project will bring development, jobs, and dignity to our people.”
Community members and traditional leaders in Bwari expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying it was the first time in years that such a major government-backed project was coming to the area.
They also applauded the government for including satellite towns in its development agenda, which in the past had often been neglected in favour of central Abuja.
In closing, Wike reminded the community that progress comes from cooperation and mutual respect.
“I thank God you have reminded us that agreement is agreement,” he told the crowd. “We agreed to do water, and we are doing it. So when I return to ask for your support, I hope you will also agree that we have delivered.”
The water project is one of several infrastructure initiatives currently being rolled out under the Tinubu administration as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at boosting development across Nigeria.
As the FCT seeks to expand beyond the city centre, the inclusion of rural and semi-urban areas in development efforts is being seen as a major shift in governance.
Local observers have praised the commitment of the FCT administration under Wike, describing the water project as a step in the right direction toward addressing long-standing water scarcity in parts of the capital territory.
