FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has warned Directors in the FCT Administration that unnecessary bureaucracy may cause delays in road project delivery.
Wike issued the warning on Tuesday while inaugurating the construction of a five-kilometer (km) road connecting the Naharati, River Ukya, and Unguwan Hausawa communities in FCT’s Abaji Area Council.
He especially cautioned the Directors against sitting on files for weeks.
“Once I grant approvals, the bureaucracy should be able to conduct due diligence within seven days and ensure the release of funds,” he stated.
The minister, who emphasized the importance of rural road projects across the six Area Councils to the federal capital, said he would not let anyone stifle the development of rural communities in the FCT.
According to him, any director who refused to act on files that he had already approved, would be labelled a saboteur.
“We had a meeting on Monday with the most senior directors and I was telling them that woe unto that director who will keep a file that I have approved for weeks.
“Woe unto you because you are a saboteur. Once I approve, do the needful. You can take a week to do due diligence. You don’t need to take 20 days.
“The contractors are humans. When the money does not get to them on time, they incur more costs and then they begin to seek variation even though they know that variation is not in my dictionary.
“So, I need the support of the bureaucracy so that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to the people,” he said.
Wike assured rural residents that all road projects, including newly inaugurated ones, would be completed by the end of 2024.
Earlier, Mr Abdullahi Abubakar, Chairman of Abaji Area Council, stated that the road project was a watershed moment in the council’s journey toward progress and development.
Abubakar stated that the road connecting Naharati, River Ukya, and Unguwan Hausawa was chosen specifically for its connectivity.
“When completed, it will relieve congestion on the bypass, allowing rural communities better access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.
“This road project will also facilitate the movement of goods and services, boosting economic growth and promoting agricultural activities,” the chairman stated.
Similarly, the Ona of Abaji expressed gratitude to the minister for his commitment to rural development and pledged the traditional council’s support to ensure the projects’ success.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the FCT Minister has already launched the construction of five rural roads totaling 37.2 kilometres across five Area Councils.
Kwali Area Council has an 11-kilometer road, Kuje has a five-kilometer dual carriageway, Gwagwalada has a nine-kilometer road, Bwari has a 7.2-kilometer road, and Abaji Area Council now has a five-kilometer road. (NAN)
