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  • Wike: I monitor contractors to achieve results in FCT

    Wike: I monitor contractors to achieve results in FCT

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said his constant monitoring of ongoing projects in the FCT is to keep contractors on their toes.

    Wike stated this in Abuja yesterday, after inspecting ongoing road projects in Guzape and the full-scale development of arterial road ‘N20′ at Jahi District.

    The N20 begins from Northern Parkway (Shehu Musa Yar’adua Expressway), to Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

    The minister explained that his constant and unscheduled visit to project sites was to ensure that the protractors deliver on agreed timelines and within expected quality.

    Wike said the contractors had promised to deliver most of the projects by May, adding that he was on their toes to ensure that they deliver as promised.

    He said: “We make sure that we go round to see the commitments made by the various contractors to see whether they are going to fulfil the promises they have made.

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    “On Saturday, we also had this kind of inspection and today, we went to Guzape, the diplomatic zone and now we are on N20 road.

    “The last time I came here, the work was not up to this extent, and I am very much impressed with what I have seen.

    “This shows that God willing, by May, they will hand over these projects to us and then we will hand them over to the public”.

  • I harbour no grievance against Wike, Sen Kingibe

    I harbour no grievance against Wike, Sen Kingibe

    Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, Ireti Kingibe, has said that there is no misunderstanding between her and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike despite his disregards for the role of the legislature.

    Kingibe stressed that the ambiguity in the separation of power in the FCT warrants careful examination.

    She stated: “It’s important to recognize that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) operates differently from other regions; here, the highest elected official is the Senator, as opposed to a Governor. Moreover, we only have two representatives in the House of Representatives.

    “The division of powers between the executive and the legislature in the FCT is ambiguous and warrants careful examination.

    “Historically, despite the structural issues, previous ministers have acknowledged the legislators as the people’s representatives and collaborated with them to address the populace’s needs, thereby mitigating these systemic flaws.

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    “Currently, however, there seems to be a disconnect with the minister, who appears to have disregarded the legislature’s role. This neglect has exposed the underlying problems with the FCT’s governance structure. It is imperative for every minister to recognize that the National Assembly and its members have a supervisory role over their actions. This oversight appears to be the crux of the current contention.

  • Wike: I monitor contractors to achieve results in FCT

    Wike: I monitor contractors to achieve results in FCT

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says his constant monitoring of ongoing projects in the FCT is to keep contractors on their toes.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Monday, March 4, after inspecting ongoing road projects in Guzape and the full-scale development of arterial road ‘N20′ at Jahi District.

    The N20 begins from the Northern Parkway (Shehu Musa Yar’adua Expressway) to the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway).

    The minister explained that his constant and unscheduled visits to project sites were to ensure that the protractors delivered on agreed timelines and within expected quality.

    Read Also: Nigerian universities need to learn from ABUAD, says Obasanjo

    Wike said the contractors had promised to deliver most of the projects by May, adding that he was on their toes to ensure that they deliver as promised.

    He said: “We make sure that we go round to see the commitments made by the various contractors to see whether they are going to fulfill the promises they have made.

    “On Saturday, we also had this kind of inspection, and today, we went to Guzape, the diplomatic zone and now we are on N20 road.

    “The last time I came here, the work was not up to this extent, and I am very much impressed with what I have seen.

    “This shows that God willing, by May, they will hand over these projects to us and then we will hand them over to the public.”

  • FCTA to get nine Permanent Secretaries soon, says Wike

    FCTA to get nine Permanent Secretaries soon, says Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that all is set for the appointment of nine Permanent Secretaries for the nine Secretariats of the FCT Administration.

    Wike disclosed this on Monday, March 4, while answering questions from reporters after inspecting some road projects in the nation’s capital.

    He explained that the development was in line with the provisions of the FCT Civil Service Commission (CSC), Act, 2018, which President Bola Tinubu had approved its implementation.

    Wike added that the president’s decision was in fulfillment of his “Renewed Hope” agenda.

    The minister said the most senior directors in the FCTA would be appointed as permanent secretaries for the Administration’s secretariats, namely Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, and Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership.

    Read Also: Nigerian universities need to learn from ABUAD, says Obasanjo

    Others are Education, Social Development, Legal Services, Area Council, Health and Environment, and Women Affairs Secretariat.

    He said that he had met with all the senior directors in the FCTA to inform them of the development and tasked them with dedication to duty.

    He said: “President Tinubu in his wisdom and Renewed Hope agenda, insisted that the 2018 Act must be implemented, which has given FCT a Civil Service Commission.

    “By this, the FCTA will have its own Head of Service, and then of course, it will have permanent secretaries for the nine secretariats. But again, that means that we will require a lot of commitment from them.”

    Wike expressed displeasure on the delays in moving files and warned the directors against any delay that would sabotage the Administration’s efforts.

    “So, it is better to let them know that if the Mr President has done this for you, you should also be able to reciprocate by committing yourself to work harder.

    “We have told them that no file will stay in a director’s office for more than three to four days so that the work can move on, and they have agreed to that,” he said.

    The minister also said he had approved the promotion of about N8,000 workers, adding that the beneficiaries should pay back by putting in more effort and commitment to their jobs.

  • I harbour no grievance against Wike – Ireti Kingibe

    I harbour no grievance against Wike – Ireti Kingibe

    Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the Senate, Ireti Kingibe has said that there is no misunderstanding between her and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

    Kingibe also stressed that the ambiguity in the separation of power in the FCT warrants careful examination.

    She stated: “It’s important to recognise that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) operates differently from other regions; here, the highest elected official is the Senator, as opposed to a governor.

    “Moreover, we only have two representatives in the House of Representatives. The division of powers between the executive and the legislature in the FCT is ambiguous and warrants careful examination.

    “Historically, despite the structural issues, previous ministers have acknowledged the legislators as the people’s representatives and collaborated with them to address the populace’s needs, thereby mitigating these systemic flaws.

    Read Also; CBN warns Nigeria, others on New Debt Risks

    “It is imperative for every minister to recognise that the National Assembly and its members have a supervisory role over their actions. This oversight appears to be the crux of the current contention.

    She however said she is committed to “working with all parties to address the needs of the people, prioritizing security, hunger, water, hospitals, and schools.

    “As a senator, there are numerous initiatives I am eager to pursue, provided our budget allows it. I aim to prioritize, especially the smaller, yet significant, aspects of governance.

    Senator Kingibe also discussed her initiatives and the progress made during her time in office.

    She highlighted the completed Karu-Ishan road project as a testament to her insistence on completion and accountability.

    She also shared her ongoing efforts to support the youth and women of the FCT, such as securing employment slots and planning to empower 100 individuals with capital for small businesses, as well as funding JAMB registration for 2,000 youths.

  • Investment prospects: Wike approves Abuja maiden infrastructure investment expo

    Investment prospects: Wike approves Abuja maiden infrastructure investment expo

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved Abuja maiden infrastructure investment expo initiative to explore strategic areas that will attract investment opportunities and boost development.

    Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on legal and multilateral cooperation to the minister, Benedict Daudu disclosed this at the weekend during the first meeting of a committee that will fast track Abuja infrastructure investment expo proposed to be held in the first half of 2024.

    Daudu said across the world, governments partner with the private sector for development and also explained that the expo is targeted at investors who are interested in providing infrastructure for all sectors for accelerated development in the nation’s capital in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    He revealed that the event will attract both local and foreign investors that will avail them the opportunity to partner with FCT in line with government guidelines under Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and make Abuja a smart city under the watch of the minister, Nyesom Wike.

    The SSA explained that the plan will also bring about unparalleled infrastructure development to most districts or communities in need of basic infrastructure that would put Abuja in a more global stage.

    According to him, the time has come to revive the hiding potential and opportunities in the territory under Wike’s watch.

    Daudu said: “Abuja infrastructure investment expo is being proposed for infrastructure development within the FCT, one that has not been carried out in the territory. It is a time that is needed to drive infrastructure development and it will capture the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. It will really propel the FCT to where it is.

    “We are targeting both foreign and national direct investment opportunities from interested investors who will come in to partner with the FCTA and to bring the expo to a global stage where you can see the FCT growing into a smart city under Nyesom Wike.

    “It will propel us greatly in the right direction, and is going to review president Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    On her part, a member of the committee and acting Director FCTA Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Jumai Ahmadu commended the minister for his Informed decision to rewrite the history of infrastructure in the Nation’s capital.

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    She said the committee would think deeply and draw an acceptable template that will be in line with Wike’s plan for a new FCT especially in districts that require additional government intervention.

    According to her: “We are going to work with the relevant SDAs, we will think deeply on areas of infrastructure deficit and ensure that the concept is in line with Wike’s plan for the new FCT.

    “The infrastructure investment expo is going to focus only on infrastructure, the government alone can’t do it. The novel idea is going to be first of its kind.

    “The minister saw the need to develop FCT, and he feels that the idea will help the territory. FCT is 48 years old and there are a lot of opportunities that we need to develop more, tourism is one of the key areas, some countries tourism is their main stay, that can happen in Abuja.

    “People can be invited to take over the site and develop it for us, it will bring about huge revenue generation for FCT Administration.” Jumai said.

  • I will make impact as FCT Minister – Wike

    I will make impact as FCT Minister – Wike

    Federal Capital Territory Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has assured Abuja residents that he will make an impact as FCT Minister.

    He said the decision of President Bola Tinubu to turn the nation’s capital, Abuja, into a huge construction site is to ensure that his Renewed Hope Agenda finds immediate expressions in the lives of residents even before his first anniversary in office.

    Wike disclosed this on Saturday after he inspected several ongoing projects across Abuja.

    The minister, who expressed delight at the pace of work in the various sites, said some of the projects are nearing completion.

    Wike said: “I have to commend the various contractors. The first site we went to is one of those areas that by the grace of God, is 85 percent ready. One of those interchanges in Wuye. The contractors are keeping to date and their commitment to delivering by the end of May.

    “We also went to the Kuje road. It will open up that area of the Council. Last time when I went to flag off one of the rural roads, I did say that the contractors were not serious, but going back there today, one is very impressed with the level and quality of work.

    “I have always said that we are not going to allow any project to be abandoned. We have taken our priorities and most of these projects are also included in the statutory budget of 2024, which will soon be submitted to the National Assembly by Mr. President when he returns from Qatar. I am very happy with the quality and speed with which these companies are working.

    Read Also: Port Harcourt-Aba train service begins operation in March, says FG

    “By May, Nigerians’ will see the changes as far as FCT is concerned. We are carrying out a lot of resurfacing of the roads in the city centre like Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and the rest of them.

    “On Abuja turning into a construction site, it is all about the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. So many people had lost hope before and Mr. President said no need to lose hope, we are here to rekindle your hope, bring back the hope.

    Earlier, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the Administration is currently constructing 11 kilometres of the 76 kilometre Kuje-Gwargwada-Rubochi-Abaji-Nasarawa six-lane highway.

  • I will make impact as FCT Minister – Wike

    I will make impact as FCT Minister – Wike

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has assured Abuja residents that he will make impact as FCT Minister.

    He said the decision of President Bola Tinubu to turn the nation’s capital, Abuja, into a huge construction site is to ensure that his Renewed Hope Agenda find immediate expressions in the lives of residents even before his first anniversary in office.

    Wike disclosed this on Saturday after he inspected several ongoing projects across the Abuja.

    The Minister, who expressed delight at the pace of work in the various sites, said some of the projects are nearing completion.

    Wike said: “I have to commend the various contractors. The first site we went is one of those areas that by the grace of God, it is 85 percent ready. One of those interchanges in Wuye. The contractors are keeping to date and their commitment to delivering by the end of May.

    Read Also: Wike okays promotion of 8,785 FCTA workers

    “We also went to the Kuje road. It will open up that area of the Council and last time when I went to flag off one of the rural roads, I did say that the contractors were not serious but going back there today, one is very impressed with the level and quality of work.

    “I have always said that we are not going to allow any project to be abandoned. We have taken our priorities and most of these projects are also included in the statutory budget of 2024 which will soon be submitted to the National Assembly by Mr President when he returns form Qatar. I am very happy with the quality and speed with which these companies are working.

    “By May, Nigerians’ will see the changes as far as FCT is concerned. We are carrying out a lot of resurfacing of the roads in the city centre like Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and the rest of them.

    “On Abuja turning into a construction site, it is all about the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. So many people had lost hope before and Mr President said no need to lose hope, we are here to rekindle your hope, bring back the hope.

    “With the support that Mr President has given us, there is no need for us to begin to give excuses. I don’t want to say there is money or no money. I am not here to criticize anybody who was here before, mine is that the opportunity the president has given to me, let me utilize it and work for the people.

    “We are very dogged in terms of revenue generation and people can see that when we tell them to pay their taxes, we are not just telling them to pay their taxes but to be used to develop their areas. This is not the time when people pay tax and it is not used, but now people can see what the their money is being used for,” he added.

    Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad said the Administration is currently constructing 11 kilometres of the 76 kilometre Kuje-Gwargwada-Rubochi-Abaji-Nasarawa six-lane highway.

  • Wike okays promotion of 8,785 FCTA workers

    Wike okays promotion of 8,785 FCTA workers

    • Minister directs enrolment of vulnerable expectant mothers in FHIS

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has approved the promotion of 8,785 workers of the FCT Administration.

    The acting Permanent Secretary in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Udo Samuel Atang, who announced this yesterday, said the workers sat for promotion examinations, passed, and promoted to the next rank in accordance with the Public Service Rules.

    A breakdown of the promotion showed that out of the 9,710 officers in the various secretariats, departments and agencies (SDAs) who participated in last year’s promotion examination, 925 were unsuccessful.

    A further analysis showed that out of the 3,924 eligible officers of Common Services departments who participated in the examination, 3,295 were promoted.

    Also, out of the 933 Professional and Technical officers who participated in the examination, 918 were promoted, while out of the 1,179 Health Officers who sat for the examination,1,144 were elevated.

    A statement by the Director of Information and Communication in the FCT, Muhammad Hazat Sule, said: “Consequently, out of the 3,674 Education Officers and Assistant Education Officers that participated in the exercise, 3,428 were promoted.

    Atang, who praised Wike for his prompt approval, noted that the approval for the promotion came within 24 hours after submission.

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    Also, Wike has directed the enrollment of all vulnerable expectant mothers in the FCT into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS).

    The Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment in the FCTA, Dolapo Fasawe, announced this yesterday in Abuja during the kick-off of the enrollment.

    She said all enrollees would get a free safe delivery kit.

    During the kick-off of the FHIS enrollment of expectant mothers and safe delivery kit, the Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, expressed happiness that the government had made the scheme, under the FHIS, a reality.

    “What this means is that funds are now available that will enable everyone on the scheme to have access to quality healthcare services without any financial shock,” Fasawe said.

  • Wike approves promotion of 8,785 FCTA staff

    Wike approves promotion of 8,785 FCTA staff

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the promotion of 8,785 Staff of the FCT Administration.

    The Ag. Permanent Secretary of Federal Capital Territory Administration, Udo Samuel Atang, who disclosed this on Thursday, said 8,785 personnel, who sat for the promotion examination and passed were promoted to the next rank under the Public Service Rules.

    Accordingly, out of the 9,710 Officers that participated in the process, 8,785 were successful and promoted to their next Grade Level.

    The breakdown of the promotion shows that out of 9,710 Officers across the various Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) that participated in the 2023 Examination Exercise, 925 were unsuccessful.

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    Further analysis shows that out of the 3,924 eligible Officers of Common Services Departments that took part in the examination, 3,295 Staff were promoted.

    Similarly, out of the 933 Professional and Technical Officers who participated in the examination, 918 were promoted; while out of the 1,179 Health Officers, who sat for the examination,1,144 were elevated.

    According to a statement by the Director of Information & Communication, FCT, Muhammad Hazat Sule said: “Consequently, out of the 3,674 Education Officers and Assistant Education Officers that participated in the exercise, 3,428 were promoted.

    “Atang, who commended the FCT Minister for his prompt approval, revealed that the approval for the promotion by the Minister came within 24hrs upon submission.

    “He noted that the Minister recognizes the commitments and hard work of the Staff and encourages them to double their efforts in the service to the FCT Administration and the fatherland.

    “The Acting Permanent Secretary, therefore, urged all Staff of the Administration to reciprocate the Minister’s kind gesture by supporting the leadership of the Administration to deliver on Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly the Ministerial Performance Bond for Presidential Priorities and Deliverables.”