Wike Releases N50 Billion, Gives New Directive
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, announced yesterday that the FCTA administration has received N50 billion from the N100 billion Supplementary Budget allocated for capital projects.
Wike revealed that the Ministry of Finance approved the disbursement of 50 per cent of the 2023 supplementary budget for project implementation.
During a press briefing after inspecting three ongoing projects in the FCT, including the Outer Southern Expressway, Northern N20 Expressway, and the Vice President’s residence, Wike assured that he has authorized the immediate payment to contractors to meet the project deadline. He stated, “The supplementary budget as approved by the National Assembly is N100 billion, and 50 per cent of the amount has been released, which is N50 billion.”
He emphasized, “This afternoon when I went to the office, I have directed the permanent secretary that immediate payment should be made to the companies carrying out projects in FCT.”
The Minister had earlier mentioned that these projects were intended to mark the first year in office of President Bola Tinubu, setting a deadline of May 24, 2024, for their completion. Wike expressed optimism that the approval and disbursement of funds would ensure the timely completion of all ongoing projects, reiterating that these projects would commemorate the first year in office of President Tinubu.
Wike praised the quality of the various projects and assured FCT residents that all promises made towards completing the projects would be fulfilled. He stated, “I am sure residents of Abuja have seen the difference that no promise made would not be fulfilled. All promises made will be fulfilled. And we also want to commend the residents of Abuja for the support they are giving to us.”
Responding to criticism about the perceived lack of direct impact of some projects on the people, Wike defended the importance of road projects, stating, “I don’t know how anybody will say road projects are not impactful. First, it creates jobs; two, it makes the economy thrive. What can be more impactful than road construction? All projects that we are doing are impactful projects.”
