By Nwamulunamma Ogbunka, Abuja
The Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN) marked Federal Capital Territory (FC) Minister Nyesom Wike’s 58th birthday with a heartfelt message, praising his dedication to infrastructure development and urging God to grant him “more health and long life” so he can keep delivering strong performance. The National President of the Association, High Chief Vitus Ofodum, the Ikenga Mbosi, an ancient community in Anambra State addressed journalists in his office recently.
While giving glory to God for the Minister’s good health and gift of ability to deliver at all time, the national president however advised the Minister to keep the pace at which he has been going.
Hailing the Minister for performance, the National President enumerated his projects with immediate impact, including Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) – Phase 1 from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, inaugurated by President Tinubu in June 2025. This eased traffic congestion around Life Camp, Dape, Gwarinpa, Kado, Karsana, Idu, and Mbora, cutting travel times for thousands of commuters.
Other notable projects include Kabusa‑Ketti Road (9.8 km) flagged off in 2024, linking Kabusa to Ketti with solar‑powered streetlights, improving access to farms, markets, and emergency services, and reducing dust‑related health issues.
Saburi 1 & 2 access road (5 km) completed in early 2025 connects Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Dei‑Dei International Market, ending chronic dust and mud problems, boosting business patronage (e.g., car‑wash, “akara” sellers), and increasing daily vehicular flow from ~20 to over 100 vehicles per day. Mabushi road (ILS 11 & MAR 24) commissioned in September 2025 improved circulation in Mabushi District, benefiting residents and traders by shortening travel times to workplaces.
Solar‑Powered Streetlights (“Light Up Abuja”) were deployed along key districts (Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, Katampe, Jabi, Gudu, Central Business District, Airport Expressway) as part of the 12‑new‑road programme, enhancing night‑time safety, reducing crime risk, and allowing businesses to operate later. Water Supply Expansion – Bwari and Karu water schemes launched in 2025 increased potable water delivery to satellite towns, improving daily living conditions for households previously reliant on irregular water sources.
Judicial Infrastructure – Judges’ residential quarters in Gishiri and Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District completed in 2025 provide secure housing for judicial officers, supporting the rule of law and reducing commute‑related stress for court staff. The Arterial Road N5 and Kabusa‑Ketti road stand out as projects with the most immediate, visible impact on daily life—cutting travel times, decongesting key junctions, and linking isolated communities to the city’s core. Solar streetlights and expanded water supply in Bwari/Karu complement these road works by boosting safety and basic service delivery.