Here Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Our Managing Editor, writes that for over two decades, the Abuja Millennium Tower has stood as a symbol of both ambition and abandonment in Nigeria’s capital. Conceived to be one of Africa’s tallest structures and a hub for culture, tourism, and commerce, the project has remained largely on paper. Now, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, says the dream can only be revived if the Federal Government steps in, citing a staggering ₦400 billion price tag that far exceeds the FCT’s annual allocation.
The Minister disclosed this on Thursday during an extensive inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, according to a press release signed by Rabi Musa Umar, Deputy Director, Press, Office of the Minister.
Speaking to journalists after the tour, Wike revealed that discussions are already ongoing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to have the iconic complex reclassified and funded as a strategic national project and tourist center.
“That is a national project. I believe it is one project that the government should reconsider as a tourist center project,” Wike stated.
Explaining the financial burden, he said: “The capital involved is too huge for the FCT’s statutory budget. As I speak to you, the contractor is talking about not less than ₦400 billion. If we attempt to carry out such a project alone, every other project in Abuja will be abandoned.”
“But we are discussing with the President to consider it as a national project,” signaling a shift in approach from an FCT-only project to one with federal backing.
Beyond the tower, Wike’s inspection focused on critical road infrastructure designed to ease traffic congestion and drive economic activity in the capital.
One of the key sites was the extension of Collector Road CO1 in the Institution and Research District. The road spans from Nile University to Ring Road III, with an additional extension from Baze University Junction.
According to the Minister, the project is strategically aimed at integrating premier academic, legal, and research institutions into the wider city road network, thereby improving connectivity for thousands of students and professionals.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and standard of work at Collector Road CO1, noting that it reflects the administration’s determination to elevate Abuja into a truly world-class capital city.
The Minister also gave updates on the Arterial Road N1 project, which stretches from Wuye District to Ring Road II and is being executed by Arab Contractors.
He assured residents that both the FCTA and its construction partners are working in “complete synergy” to ensure the formal handover of the completed project by December 2025.
Wike attributed the steady progress to the confidence contractors have in the current administration’s commitment to honoring financial obligations.
“For me, it’s the confidence in us by the contractors,” Wike stated. “Even if we have not fully met our obligation at any point, they still go ahead knowing fully well that we will fulfill our part. That trust is there, and I am highly elated with the level of work.”
He expressed “unshakeable optimism” that all inspected road projects scheduled for completion will be fully delivered and handed over before the end of the year.
The Minister emphasized that the FCTA is pursuing a dual strategy: actively completing legacy projects awarded as far back as 2010 while simultaneously driving forward new developments initiated under President Tinubu’s tenure.
In his closing remarks, Wike urged residents to remain patient and called on the media to serve as “truth ambassadors” by reporting the visible transformation occurring across the territory, even as efforts intensify to rescue the Millennium Tower from decades of limbo.
