The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the long-delayed Apo–Karshi road contract and reassigned it to SCC after years of stalled work by the previous contractor, Kakatar Construction Company.
Wike announced the development on Thursday while inspecting key infrastructure projects across Abuja. He said the decision was necessary to break the cycle of delays and deliver the strategic road, which residents have relied on for years as a potential decongestion route.
According to him, “We have terminated that contract; it has been re-awarded to SCC. If you go there now, you’ll see they’ve started work. It’s a road so many people are interested in because it will decongest these areas. We cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people.”
Emergency Re-award to Speed Up Delivery
The new contract was issued under emergency procurement to ensure accelerated work. Wike described SCC as a capable and proven contractor with the resources to deliver within timelines.
He also revealed that the Kubwa–Bwari road had been awarded and construction had commenced, creating an alternative corridor expected to ease traffic pressure in surrounding communities.
Residents Welcome Progress Amid Inspections
During the inspection of the Karu–Custom–CBN Road, Gishiri–Katampe Road, and the Apo–Wasa carriageway, Wike said residents’ positive reactions reflected their confidence in the administration’s infrastructure focus.
“What makes the government relaxed is when the people are happy. People appreciate development. They appreciate that the government thinks about their welfare,” he said.
Major Roads Targeted for 2026 Completion
Wike confirmed that the Karu road project, originally planned as a single intervention, had been expanded to include adjoining routes. He said the road is now slated for commissioning during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
He also inspected the OSEX road linking Apo to Wassa and confirmed that it would be among the projects for the next round of presidential commissioning.
Illegal Structures to Go
The minister ordered the removal of buildings obstructing water channels, insisting that public safety overrides sentiment.
“We cannot allow flooding because someone has blocked a waterway. She violated building regulations, and we must act in the public’s interest,” he said.
FCT Shifts Focus to Completing Existing Projects
Looking ahead, Wike said 2026 would focus on consolidating ongoing projects rather than initiating new ones due to the approaching political season.
“What you saw in 2025 will be nothing compared to what you’ll see in 2026. But in 2026, we are not likely to start new projects. We want to make sure that the ones we started this year are completed,” he stated.
He added that procurement processes are ongoing for upgrades across FCT health centres and major investments in education infrastructure.
