In this piece Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Our Managing Editor writes that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is set for a December infrastructure push, with the rehabilitation of the iconic IBB Golf and Country Club in Maitama among the flagship projects billed for completion. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, confirmed during an inspection tour this week that the club, shut down after an internal crisis, will be reopened to diplomats and the public next month on the direct orders of the President. The announcement came alongside updates on major road projects across the territory aimed at easing traffic and opening up new districts.
In a press release from Rabi Musa Umar, Office of the Hon. Minister, the Minister made the disclosure on Friday, August 21, 2026, while addressing journalists after inspecting several key infrastructure projects across the territory that are scheduled for completion by December. Among the projects visited were Collector Road CO1 in Life Camp, running from Berger Clinic to Dape District, and Arterial Road N1, which links Wuye District to Ring Road II.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on Collector Road CO1, being handled by Julius Berger Plc, noting that the project is expected to be handed over by December as planned. He also commended Arab Contractors for the progress on Arterial Road N1, saying the road is on schedule and will significantly improve connectivity between Wuye and the outer ring road when delivered.
Turning to the IBB Golf and Country Club on Aso Drive in Maitama District, the Minister said the rehabilitation followed a direct presidential directive to restore the facility and reopen it by December this year. He explained that the club was shut down following an internal crisis among its members, a development that left diplomats and recreational users without access to one of Abuja’s premier golf facilities.
In response, a caretaker committee chaired by the President of the Court of Appeal was constituted to oversee the affairs of the club and manage the process of its restoration. Wike commended the committee for facilitating the award of the rehabilitation contract to Julius Berger Plc, the same firm that originally constructed the club decades ago.
“Mr. President directed that this Golf Course must be ready and reopened by December. So, we have given it to Julius Berger to make sure that everything is done, and by December this year, the Golf Course will be reopened,” the Minister stated.
He noted that while Julius Berger has indicated a November completion date, government is targeting a December public reopening in line with the President’s directive. According to Wike, the restored club will be expected to generate its own revenue to sustain operations, reducing dependence on public funds. “The government should not use public funds to go and be doing this,” he said.
The Minister added that the intervention became necessary because diplomats had complained they had nowhere to play golf, stressing the importance of the sport for recreation and international engagement. Shifting to politics, Wike addressed questions on Osun State Governor-elect Ademola Adeleke’s recent visit to the President, describing it as part of a “larger rainbow coalition” backing the President that will expand in the coming weeks.
He said Adeleke, though formally of the PDP, contested on the Accord Party platform due to internal wrangling, but remains a supporter of the President. The Minister dismissed rival parties such as the ADC as lacking a formidable structure, and said his focus was to keep the opposition politically uncomfortable ahead of 2027.
“When you are having a contest with somebody, your business is not to make him feel well. Your business is to beat him thoroughly so that he will be sick all through,” Wike stated, reiterating that the administration’s priority remains delivering projects while consolidating political support.
