Abuja -The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has delivered a stern warning to the contractors responsible for the delayed construction of left hand service carriageway of OSEX from Ring Road 1 (RRI) to Wasa Junction (15km), expressing deep dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work despite receiving over 80% of the contract payment.
Speaking during a site inspection on Friday in Abuja, Wike blasted the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), for their failure to meet project milestones.
“Very bad, I am not encouraged,” Wike stated, visibly frustrated. “Yesterday, my attention was drawn when I went to inspect the Apo-Karshi road, which took us through Wassa. I passed through this area and tried to find out where CGC is working one of the respected companies, as far as I am concerned. But regarding this road, I am not happy.”
Wike noted that despite promises of progress, the contractor had barely completed 50% of the work. “We have paid over 80 percent of this contract, and as far as I am concerned, they have not done the work.”
In response to the delays, Wike summoned the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and CGC for an emergency meeting, ordering the contractor to commit to completing the project by May 2025.
“Let them go and commit themselves and tell us by May they are going to finish this project. That’s the only way I am going to accept it,” Wike emphasized.
The Apo-Karshi road project is a critical infrastructural development meant to ease traffic congestion in Abuja and stimulate economic activities in the area.
Wike stressed the importance of timely completion, noting that the road, once finished, would have a significant impact on reducing traffic bottlenecks and enhancing business operations.
Wike also sent a clear message to underperforming contractors, stating that non-performers would face severe consequences. “We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. If you don’t perform, we kick you out. There is no sentiment about whether you are an indigenous contractor or foreign contractor, we don’t care.”
The FCT Minister underscored that contractors who fail to deliver on their promises would not only be terminated but also be required to pay back any funds received. “You can’t just collect our money and think we will let you go. No. When we kick you out, we make you pay for it.”
As Wike continues his push for accountability and transparency in the administration of the FCT’s projects, Abuja residents and commuters hope that his firm stance will bring about the timely completion of crucial infrastructure developments, starting with the Apo-Karshi Road.