The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, inaugurated the rehabilitated phase 2 water treatment plant at the Lower Usuma Dam in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, valued at about N50bn.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of additional water projects in satellite towns, beginning with the Bwari water scheme on Wednesday and the Karu water supply project on Thursday. The two projects are estimated to cost not less than N90bn.
He explained that the Usuma Dam Phase 2 rehabilitation, awarded in 2022, was completed in line with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda that prioritizes water as an essential service.
According to him, the expanded facility will significantly increase the dam’s carrying capacity and improve water supply to residents across the FCT.
“Some people have accused us of concentrating only on roads, but beyond roads, we are also focusing on basic infrastructure like water supply. Water is life, and this administration is committed to ensuring residents enjoy this essential service,” Wike said.
The minister further revealed that Phases 1, 3, and 4 of the Usuma Dam project have already been approved by the Federal Executive Council, while agreements signed with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) during President Tinubu’s 2023 visit to China were designed to ensure satellite towns also enjoy reliable water supply.
On education, Wike noted that numerous schools have been completed, renovated, or are undergoing construction across the FCT.
He directed the Secretary of Education to release a comprehensive list of completed and ongoing school projects and facilitate media tours of rural schools to showcase government efforts.
“This administration is not only developing the city centre but is also taking infrastructure to the satellite towns. Our goal is to make life easier for all residents of the FCT,” he said.
Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, commended President Tinubu for prioritizing infrastructural renewal and supporting projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.
She urged residents to ensure proper management and sustainability of the newly rehabilitated water facility for the benefit of future generations.
Meanwhile, Wike while responding to media reports about debts allegedly owed to local contractors, he insisted that he would not succumb to blackmail or sponsored protests.
“Let anybody who says I awarded them contracts bring the documents. Many of the so-called debts were generated by civil servants who sat in their offices awarding contracts of N10m, N15m, or N20m without ministerial approval. Now they want to blackmail the Minister into paying. Certainly, that will not happen. Nobody can intimidate me,” he declared.
The Minister maintained that corruption is resisting his reforms, but vowed to defeat it, and stressed that under his leadership, FCT funds are being directed to meaningful projects.
He disclosed that monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had risen from about N9bn before his assumption of office to over N30bn presently.
“If we were not prudent, how would we have been able to fund the massive infrastructure we are commissioning today? Those protesting are not genuine contractors. Look at their faces, do they look like those who built the roads we are commissioning? They were sponsored by those who benefitted from past corruption,” he said.
Wike added that abandoned projects in Abuja were a result of reckless spending on frivolous items such as inflated computer procurements and frequent foreign trips.
“This is not a beauty contest. I am not here to be loved. I am here to work. Carry your love and go, I want results. The only love I want is for residents to feel the impact of governance: roads, schools, hospitals, water, and security. That is development,” he said firmly.
Recounting his political journey, the Minister emphasised that he has never yielded to vested interests or external control.
“From my days as a council chairman till now, I have never allowed anyone to dictate to me. Pray 24 hours, it won’t change anything. What is right will be done, and what is wrong will not pass. Abuja must change, and we will change it,” he insisted.
Wike added that his administration will be remembered for restoring discipline, blocking waste, and redirecting resources into tangible infrastructure that directly benefits residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
