Federal Government Spends N89.2 Billion on Roads and Schools in Bwari Area Council, Says FCT Minister Wike
Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has invested over N89.2 billion in road infrastructure and school rehabilitation projects in Bwari Area Council over the past year.
The Minister made this disclosure on Friday during the inauguration of the newly completed five-kilometre Gaba-Tokulo Road in Bwari Area Council, Abuja. He highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the nation’s capital.
Breakdown of Expenditure
According to Wike, the N89.2 billion expenditure includes:
- N7 billion for the construction of the five-kilometre Gaba-Tokulo Road.
- N27 billion for the rehabilitation of the Dutse-Bwari Road.
- N28 billion for the ongoing dualisation of the Ushafa-War College Road.
- N27 billion for the rehabilitation and construction of schools across Bwari Area Council.
The schools benefiting from the projects include Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Dutse, Government Secondary School (GSS) Bwari, GSS Ushafa, GSS Dei Dei, GSS Kubwa, and GSS Jibi.
Community-Driven Development
Wike emphasized that the Gaba-Tokulo Road project was initiated based on requests from the local community during stakeholder engagements. “The people of Bwari said they wanted this road, and to the glory of God, we awarded the contract in January 2024. Today, we are inaugurating the completed project,” he stated.
He further noted that the Tinubu administration has prioritized the construction of at least one road in each of the FCT’s area councils. “Since Monday, we have been inaugurating road projects, and we will conclude this exercise tomorrow. This demonstrates our commitment to touching every area council since the inception of this administration,” Wike added.
Enhancing Security and Connectivity
In response to residents’ requests, Wike announced that two Police Divisional Offices are under construction in the area and are expected to be completed by May 2024. These facilities aim to bolster security in Bwari and its environs.
The Minister also assured residents that the Gaba-Tokulo Road would be extended to Kawu, a border community with Kaduna State, as requested by the Bwari Area Council Chairman, Mr. John Gabaya. He directed the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Mr. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, to include the road extension in the FCT’s 2025 budget. Additionally, Wike instructed the contractor, Sectraco Nigeria Ltd, to install streetlights along the Gaba-Tokulo Road to improve safety and visibility.
Commitment to Rural Development
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the projects as a testament to President Tinubu’s dedication to improving the lives of rural residents. “This is more than just infrastructure; it is a pathway to progress and prosperity,” she said.
Mr. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, STDD Coordinator, highlighted the economic benefits of the Gaba-Tokulo Road, noting that it would enhance rural connectivity, boost small and medium-scale enterprises, and improve security in the area.
Gratitude from Local Leadership
Bwari Area Council Chairman, Mr. John Gabaya, expressed profound gratitude to Minister Wike for the ongoing transformation of satellite towns. “FCT rural communities have never had it this good,” he said, describing Wike as an “embodiment of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Gabaya shared a personal testimony, revealing that his father had been kidnapped twice on the Gaba-Tokulo Road before its construction. He appealed for further road extensions, including a link from the Murtala Mohammed Expressway via Kubwa to the Nigeria Law School in Bwari.
The inauguration of the Gaba-Tokulo Road and the significant investments in Bwari Area Council underscore the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure development and rural transformation. As the Tinubu administration continues to deliver on its promises, residents of the FCT can look forward to improved connectivity, enhanced security, and better educational facilities.
The Bureau Newspaper commends the efforts of the FCT Administration and urges sustained commitment to the development of Nigeria’s capital and its surrounding communities.
