Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning against any attempts to undermine the recently inaugurated ‘Light Up Abuja’ initiative.
Wike gave the warning on Thursday during the inauguration of the Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel I. Ogala Street), which stretches from Arterial N16 (Yemi Osinbajo Way) to N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), including Road ILS 5 within the Katampe District of Abuja.
He explained that the caution followed a recent incident in which streetlights on the Airport Road malfunctioned while President Bola Tinubu was returning to the capital.
The minister disclosed that he had summoned the contractor, CCECC, to provide an explanation and had been briefed on the measures being taken to resolve the issue.
He urged all stakeholders to remain focused and not be distracted by setbacks, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
“I know that all those things are just to distract us and weaken us, but I can assure you that my team and I are very determined. If there is one project we must achieve, it is the ‘Light Up Abuja’ project,” Wike stated.
Wike added that the road project is part of a broader infrastructure development plan designed to mark President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office and the FCT’s 50th anniversary in 2026.
He emphasized the importance of the new road in enhancing the functionality of the recently inaugurated Gishiri–Maitama road and interchange, noting that without proper linkage, the interchange would not achieve its intended purpose.
“Recall that in July this year, Mr. President came to commission that interchange. When we assumed office, we saw that without this road being connected, the project wouldn’t make sense,” Wike explained.
He praised China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) for beginning work based on trust even before the formal contract was awarded, describing it as a show of confidence in the administration.
Highlighting the project’s economic potential, Wike predicted a significant rise in property values in the area once the road is completed.
“If a property here was worth 200 or 300 million before, within the next one month, its value will rise to 700 million or even 1 billion Naira. That is what good governance does — it stimulates economic growth,” he said.
The new Collector Road is expected to play a major role in easing traffic congestion in Katampe and Gishiri Districts, improving connectivity and mobility within the FCT.