TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
In a bold move to enhance the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) infrastructure and economic development, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, has set the wheels in motion for the revitalization of key projects in the capital.
During an inspection tour, Wike, speaking candidly on the need for transparency in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreements, underscored his commitment to ensuring fairness and a more favorable arrangement for the government.
Addressing issues surrounding the ongoing development of the Kugbo International Market, Wike highlighted the significance of the market in alleviating congestion and creating a hub for economic activities.
“We have a stake; the land belongs to the FCT, and the company invests. However, the current arrangement is only favorable to the investor, which is unacceptable to me,” he stated.
Wike directed the Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company to engage with the investor and ensure a more equitable sharing formula, in alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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He also ordered the Development Control Department to demolish encroachments obstructing road corridors leading to the market, signaling his administration’s resolve to clear hurdles hindering development.
In addition to decongesting road markets, Wike expressed optimism that the project would generate substantial employment opportunities. “The market will create jobs and stimulate economic growth. It is essential for us to decongest the roads and make sure that people have a proper place for business,” he said.
Wike did not shy away from addressing concerns about the costs of accessing the market. While recognizing the need for investors to make a profit, he insisted that the FCT Administration would step in to regulate prices, ensuring affordability for traders. “We are not running a socialist economy. An investor must make profits, but that does not mean they should take advantage of the people,” Wike asserted.
Moreover, Wike highlighted his administration’s efforts to empower traders, stating that through the Renewed Hope Agenda, funds would be allocated to assist local entrepreneurs in accessing the market, fostering broader participation in Abuja’s growing economy.
In another development, Wike visited the former Ministry of Agriculture building, which is set to house the newly created Ministry of Livestock. Acting on a direct mandate from President Tinubu, the FCT Administration is poised to undertake emergency refurbishments to ensure the new ministry is operational in record time. “We have a directive from Mr. President to immediately refurbish and furnish the place for the Ministry of Livestock,” Wike said, affirming the government’s commitment to this critical initiative.
The minister further assured the public that emergency contractors would soon be engaged to expedite the process, underscoring the urgency of the task. “You are always in a rush,” Wike humorously chided reporters before reaffirming that work would commence as soon as possible, promising that the ministry’s establishment would be met with swift action.
