Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Our Managing Editor on Tuesday writes that Abuja residents have another reason to expect smoother commutes in the months ahead. FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has assured that the FCT Administration will complete and hand over between eight and ten ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital before January 2027. The pledge came on Monday, July 27, 2026, during an inspection tour, as the Minister also moved to tackle the rising menace of illegal street racing on newly completed roads.
The disclosure was contained in a press release signed by Rabi Musa Umar, Deputy Director, Press, Office of the Hon. Minister, FCTA. It followed the Minister’s on-the-spot assessment of key projects in the city and satellite towns.
Barr. Wike reaffirmed that the FCTA is not slowing down after recent commissionings. According to him, 8 to 10 additional projects already flagged off remain on track for delivery in the next five months.
“People have seen promises made and promises fulfilled, and we will not let them down,” the Minister told journalists. He said inspection tours will continue daily to monitor contractors and ensure value for money.
“We believe by tomorrow we will go out again to inspect other projects flagged off to see how far the contractors are going,” he stated. “About eight to ten projects which we agreed will be completed before January, so we will make sure that all these things are done.”
A major highlight was the Apo-Karshi road, a critical artery first awarded in 2010. The Minister said the project is now nearing completion, with streetlight installations currently ongoing.
He commended the contractor, SCC, for staying the course, and also appreciated host communities for their cooperation. The road is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Apo, Karshi and adjoining communities.
Attention also shifted to the Bwari-Kubwa road. Barr. Wike said construction is advancing rapidly and contractors have been directed to deliver a quality job before the next rainy season sets in.
To meet the timelines, the Minister promised prompt funding. “We will clear critical stages ahead of heavy rainfall,” he assured, expressing confidence that no contractor will cite finance as an excuse for delay.
The renewed push comes as the FCTA seeks to consolidate gains from earlier project deliveries. The administration has in recent months commissioned several roads, bridges and public facilities across the territory.
However, progress on infrastructure has come with a new challenge: illegal street racing. The Minister acknowledged that beautiful, newly paved roads are attracting auto enthusiasts.
But he warned that high-speed racing in residential areas is unacceptable. “First of all, that goes to show how beautiful the roads are, but people often forget that certain activities pose a danger to innocent citizens,” Barr. Wike said.
He was firm on enforcement. “If people want to carry out car racing, there are designated areas where they should do that, not in residential areas. Nobody will allow that.”
The Minister appealed to young drivers to prioritize safety over thrills. “I appeal to those involved to understand that rights have limitations, and life is more important.”
To address the menace, Barr. Wike said he will coordinate with traffic enforcement authorities. The plan is to halt unauthorized racing in residential communities, especially within the Abuja city centre.
Residents who joined the inspection expressed optimism. Many noted that completing Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa roads will ease congestion, boost trade, and improve access to schools and hospitals.
With January 2027 as the new deadline, the message from the FCT Minister is clear: delivery first, excuses later. As funding flows and inspections intensify, Abuja will be watching to see if the promise of 8 to 10 completed projects, and safer roads, becomes reality.
