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| FCT Minister fielding questions from journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing road projects in the FCC on Thursday |
FCT MINISTER DIRECTS THE EXTENSION OF 10KM OUTER SOUTHERN EXPRESSWAY
(OSEX) TO WASA JUNCTION
…DISMISSES CRITICISMS OVER LAND ALLOCATION POLICIES
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom
Wike, has directed the immediate extension of the 10km Outer Southern
Expressway (OSEX) main carriageways from the Ring Road II Junction (Apo) to the
Wasa Junction to ensure the full completion of the arterial network and provide
seamless connectivity for residents and businesses.
The Minister gave this directive on Thursday, May 7, 2026 during a
routine inspection of vital infrastructure projects slated for inauguration
during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third-year anniversary.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the tour, Barr. Wike expressed
satisfaction with the speed of work, particularly on the OSEX bridge, stressing
that he has directed the FCDA Executive Secretary to ensure the full completion
of the project by the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Construction (CGC).
He said, “I have instructed the Executive Secretary that from where this
OSEX road will stop at Ring Road II junction, they should take it to the end of
the OSEX at Wasa junction, which is about 10 Kilometers, so that people will be
very happy that at the end of the day, this administration has been able to
complete the OSEX carriageway. This is another promise made and another promise
fulfilled”, the Minister said.
Providing updates on the observed progress at the various sites,
including the Collector Road CN2 in Katampe district, streets within the Gaduwa
District, the OSEX highway, and the Wasa Informal Sector site, Barr. Wike
expressed massive satisfaction with the level of completion and commitment of
the contractors.
He commended the progress of work on the Collector Road CN2 in Katampe
District which he noted was nearly 100% complete with streetlights and walkways
already being installed.
On the Wasa District designated relocation site for the Apo Mechanic traders, the Minister disclosed that the project was nearly completed, describing the move as the fulfillment of a long-standing promise that had stalled for over a decade.
"Apo Mechanic relocation has been a thorny issue since the
inception of this FCT. But thank God, under the administration of President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is no longer just a promise; it is now a fulfilled
promise… We have provided the infrastructure needed. It’s just for them to come
in and set up”, Barr. Wike stated,
He said the Wasa informal sector would significantly expand the FCT’s
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base as businesses begin operations in the
newly developed area.
The Minister also confirmed progress on the critical satellite town water projects in Karu and Bwari, expressing confidence that the project would be delivered by the end of May. He lauded the resilience of the contractor for maintaining high quality and meeting deadlines despite the FCT Administration’s outstanding financial obligations to the firm.
Addressing recent media criticisms regarding the allocation of land to
Ambassadors-designate, Barr. Wike once more dismissed claims that the move was
a misplaced priority. He reminded critics, including some media houses, that
land allocation is a standard government function for those contributing to the
nation's economic and diplomatic interests.
"We always say, when you are living in a glass house, don't throw
stones. What is so difficult about giving other Nigerians land where they can
also carry out activities and make money?”, Barr. Wike queried, stressing that
the government has also allocated land to major media organizations to set up
headquarters and carry out profit-driven business.
He said, “You cannot question the rationale that government allocated
land to ambassadors. You say it's a misplacement of priority, that there are
poor people who should get. But you didn't say this when land was also
allocated to you”.
The Minister further dismissed reports that government sells land in the
FCT, explaining that the fees usually paid following allocation of land is for
documentation and C of O. “Nobody buys land from the FCTA. When land is
allocated, you pay the government to get your C of O. Even the ambassadors,
will also pay something to government”.
Clarifying government’s recent actions regarding the Jabi Lake area, the
Minister revealed that the FCTA had to intervene after land allottees failed to
develop the site for over 20 years.
He said, “That place was allocated about 20 years ago and the allottees
refused to carry out the development as agreed. They said they will make it a
world class entertainment centre, tourism and all kinds of things and it was
not done.
“Government said we can’t allow this. It is a very good area for investors to come, and investors have come, and they have signed agreements. We have signed the memorandum of understanding and we gave them conditions. If they don’t carry out development within the specified period, government will take back the land”.
The Minister stressed that he would "always stand by the truth," maintaining that the FCTA would prioritize realistic urban development and investment over playing to the gallery.
More Pictures and
Captions
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| L-R) Director, Engineering Services, FCDA, Engr Emmanuel Chukwuma Udey, Deputy Managing Director, CGC, Lv Haiming, Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, Former Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon Victor Ihunwo and Chief Audu Ella during the Minister's inspection of key ongoing projects in the FCT on Thursday |
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| Ongoing construction of access road in Gishiri, Katampe district on Thursday |
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| L-R) Deputy Managing Director CGC, Lv Haiming, Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Richard Yunana Dauda, FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike and the former Mayor of Port Harcourt City Hon Victor Ihunwo during the Minister's inspection of ongoing road projects in the FCT on Thursday |
RABI MUSA UMAR
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PRESS (OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE MINISTER) 07/05/2026 FCTA/ODP/PR/838 |
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