By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Nyesom Wike has explained that the rationale behind his regular inspection of ongoing projects sites is targeted at ensuring quality job delivery.
The Minister gave this explanation during an inspection of ongoing Giri access road to New EFCC Academy and some critical infrastructure in Abuja, noted that reliance on mere reports without effective physical monitoring and supervision could be catastrophic.
The projects visited includes access roads opening up Giri district where the EFCC Academy and University of Abuja is located, the 16km Inner Northern Express Way, INEX, the 300 metres overhead bridge across the rail line in Idu district linking Zuba road, the court of appeal complex.
According to Dr Wike, his frequent visits to projects sites are not ceremonial but a commitment, inquisitive and intentional efforts targeted at correcting any identified error towards ensuring that the jobs are delivered within specifications to stand the test of time.
“For us, we cannot just sit in offices to say that jobs are going. it is indeed part of our job to go and see for ourselves, and to look at the quality of jobs. So, inspection is part of the assignment to make sure that the job is not only done, but done very, very well.
“Yesterday, we went to the Mabushi bus terminal, we did correct certain things we saw. If you don’t go out and then you may be embarrassed by the day of the commission, because that is not what you expected, and by that time ,it will be too late.” Wike noted.
Wike assured that all the projects visited would be completed and delivered by the end of May for commissions judging from the assurances and the commitments of the contractors handling the projects.
Dr Wike particularly expressed delight that the Giri and idu districts road openings will enhance connectivity of the city, reduce travel time and discourages rural- urban drift.
“Road development is key. The road speaks for itself… From that area to the city, it takes you at least 15 minutes.
“You can imagine the communities there, how they feel that today they have a road connecting them to other parts of Abuja. That, of course, is the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are happy that the promises made are being kept to the glory of God”.
The Minister however clarified that the court of appeal complex is to be completed in September, and therefore not part of projects scheduled to be commissioned in May.
“We went to the road opening up the Giri district, which is where you have EFFC academy. Secondly, there is University of Abuja there too. We believe that with what we are doing there, that district will open up.We have also been to Inner Northern Express Way,
“But the Court of Appeal division is not part of what we are going to commission in May. This will be September 2025. so that nobody will say we made a promise to hand over the Court of Appeal division in May.”