The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced on Wednesday that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has committed approximately ₦300 billion to the development of the six area councils within the FCT over the past 17 months.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed 9-kilometer Paikon Kore-Ibwa road in the Gwagwalada Area Council, Wike revealed that the project was executed at a cost of ₦8.5 billion.
“Mr. President committed ₦8.5 billion to construct this road,” Wike said, adding that the ₦22 billion Aguma Palace-Market Road would be completed and commissioned in May 2025, coinciding with President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
The minister also highlighted other development initiatives, including the renovation and construction of schools such as the School for the Gifted in Gwagwalada and Government Secondary Schools in Anagada, Tunga Maje, and Giri, with a total investment of ₦16.5 billion.
“In Gwagwalada alone, the total commitment exceeds ₦50 billion within less than two years,” Wike stated. “Across the six area councils, Mr. President has allocated over ₦300 billion to satellite town development, ensuring that progress is not concentrated solely on the city center.”
Road Project Impact
The Coordinator of the FCT Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, praised the swift execution of the Paikon Kore-Ibwa road project. The contract was awarded to Setraco on January 5, 2024, with construction beginning a week later, on January 12. The road was completed and commissioned on January 22, 2025.
Zulkiflu emphasized that the road has enhanced business opportunities and the transportation of goods and services in the area.
Community Liaison Officer Ibrahim Maikeri noted that the project has positively impacted over 70 communities along the route, addressing decades of neglect.
“For more than 50 years, the Paikon Kore-Ibwa road was in disrepair, making it difficult for farmers to transport their produce to markets. This development has brought much-needed relief to the people,” Maikeri said.
Residents commended Wike and the administration for their intervention, expressing hope that similar projects will be extended to other underserved communities.
This significant investment in infrastructure underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to equitable development across the FCT.
