FCT Minister Wike flags off emergency reconstruction of Karu road, pledges more in the area

By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has flagged off the emergency reconstruction of the Karu road from the Karu interchange to Customs Clinic Junction (Karu site) within the Abuja Municipal Area Council of the FCT.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Barr. Wike explained that while the flagship project is the reconstruction of the Karu road, the scope of work has been expanded to include the rehabilitation of additional critical roads in Karu satellite town.

This was contained in a statement by Rabi Musa Umar, Assistant Director of Press in the office of the Minister.

The Minister acknowledged the persistent advocacy of stakeholders for the road projects, specifically commending the AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maiakalangu, for his relentless efforts in championing the needs of the Karu people.

He stressed that the chairman’s relationship with the government has made the Karu road projects possible.

Barr. Wike also acknowledged the support of former Senator representing the FCT, Philip Tanimu Aduda, whose intervention, he said, led to the inclusion of the additional feeder roads in the project and urged FCT residents to continue to support those who have their interests at heart.

The Minister said, “That is why I would always want you to support those that can go to the government and say, look, my area is bad and the government will listen to them. Do you know there are some people you would elect, they cannot talk to the government? There are people you elect, they have the audience of the government.

“And that’s why the chairman of AMAC, Maikalangu, has always been on my neck. He has always told me, sir, even though you have done Nyanya to Karshi, it will be unfair as the Chairman of AMAC, this Karu road has been of very serious concern to us. Do me that favor and see whether you can, under emergency, reconstruct and dualise this Karu road.

“Because he’s been a young man who has been very supportive of the Renewed Hope Agenda, I felt that it would be better to encourage him, to listen to him. And so we are here today. If I were you, I would continue to support him because it means that he has the people of Karu at heart. It means that he has the problem of AMAC at heart.

“Also. one of your sons who is no longer in government…Senator Tanimu Aduda, has been somebody that believes in the people of Abuja. I saw him last night. He came to me, and he said, Sir, this is an opportunity now. Now you are doing this Karu dualization, there are some other small roads; if you join them, it will open the whole of Karu.

“And so because I know he means well for his people. I know that he talks well about his people, I conceded to him. And so, the people of Karu, this is your turn and we’ll make sure you get the benefits you are entitled to.

“And so we have added these other roads to this road we are doing now. One, we are going to rebuild Customs Clinic Juncture to CBN Quarters junction. We are going to rebuild immediately Customs Clinic Junction to EFFC. We are also going to rebuild the NIA Quarters Road, we are going to rebuild Primus hospital road”, the Minister stated.

Barrister Wike expressed confidence in the contractor, Messers Abdul Val Nigeria Limited, adding that their successful completion of a similar 16-kilometer dual carriage project in Ushafa, in Bwari Area Council within a 10-month timeline was commendable.

He urged the contractor to ensure that all the newly added roads are completed within 10 months as well, promising the community that the project would not only involve road reconstruction but also the installation of streetlights to improve the business environment.
In her vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, conveyed her deep appreciation to President Tinubu, noting that his Renewed Hope Agenda continues to produce impactful, life-changing projects for the benefit of all Nigerians. She praised the FCT Minister for his dedication and leadership.

Providing an overview of the Karu road project, the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, Honourable Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the scope of work includes the construction of a 5.4-kilometer length of roads and provision of other necessary engineering infrastructure, including the installation of solar-powered street lights, adding that the project would be delivered within 10 months. 

 In his note of commitment, the Managing Director of Abdul Val Nigeria Ltd., the project’s contractor, Mr. Suleman Abdul, expressed his gratitude to the Minister for awarding the project to his company.

He assured that the company would deliver a high-standard job within the stipulated time frame.