Wike re-awards 13km Apo–Karshi road project after 14 years of delay

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has terminated the contract for the 13-kilometre Apo–Karshi Road and re-awarded it to a new contractor, S.C.C. Nigeria Limited, under an emergency procurement arrangement.

The project, originally awarded to Kakatar Engineering Limited in 2011, has now been transferred to S.C.C. Nigeria Limited, and work has commenced.

Wike announced this on Thursday during an inspection tour of road projects in Karu-Custom-CBN Road, Gishiri-Katampe Road and the Apo–Wassa carriageway in Abuja.

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He expressed disappointment over the delay, noting that the project, initially scheduled for completion within 20 months at a cost of N6.4 billion, remains unfinished after 14 years.

“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,” Wike said.

He stated that road contracts should not be influenced by politics at the expense of public welfare.

The minister also announced the start of a new road linking Kubwa to the Bwari Area Council, which will serve as an alternative route.

“We cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people. That road has been terminated,” he said.

During a September 2024 inspection, Wike had questioned the capacity of the previous contractor and attributed the delay to political interference. He had pledged to ensure completion of the project.

At the Karu site, Wike addressed a shop owner whose property was marked for demolition for obstructing a water channel. He assured her of compensation but stressed that public interest must take priority to prevent flooding.

“Sometimes we should not be emotional. She did the wrong thing,” he said.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the reception he received from residents, saying it showed support for the government’s efforts.

He stated that the current road projects would be commissioned during the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The minister added that no new projects would begin in 2026, describing it as 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 said.