By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike has terminated the contract of Kakatar Engineering Construction company over 14 years delay o,f the 13 kilometres Apo- Karshi road project and re-awarded it to a new contractor, S.C.C. Nigeria Limited.
Wike who made this known on Thursday, said it during an inspection tour of road projects in Karu-Custom-CBN Road, Gishiri-Katampe Road, and the Apo–Wassa dual carriageway in Abuja.
Wike said, “The road project was awarded to Kakatar Engineering Limited in 2011, and it remained unfinished, but it has been re-awarded to S.C.C. Nigeria Limited under the emergency procurement arrangement, adding that work has since commenced on the road.”
The minister voiced his disappointment over the delay, disclosing that the project, initially scheduled for completion within 20 months at a cost of N6.4 billion, remains unfinished 14
years later.
Wike said, “Let me tell you the truth: we have terminated that contract, and it has been re-awarded to S.C.C. If you go there now, you will see that they have started work”, noting that it is wrong to play politics with road contracts
at the expense of the people.
“We cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people. That road has been terminated,” he said.
Furthermore, minister announced a new construction on the road linking Kubwa to the Bwari Area Council, which will serve citizens as an alternative route.
Daybreak recalled that last year, during a visit to the minister in September 2024, he frowned at the delay and
capacity of the first contractor, which he attributed to political play.
A visit to the Karu site, Wike expressed joy at the rousing welcome by residents, and promised that owners of structures on the waterways obstructing the water channels will be compensated.
He expressed happiness with his reception from residents, this shows the people’s support for the government’s efforts.
He announced that the current road projects under construction would be part of up projects for commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mark his third-year anniversary.
However, the minister stated that no new projects would begin in 2026, which is a political year. The focus will be on completing ongoing projects, which will be included in the 2026 budget.
“We want to ensure that the projects we started this year are completed in 2026. By the grace of God, all projects we have started will be completed,” he noted.
Wike stated that the current road projects would be lined up for commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mark his third year anniversary in office.
End
