“No room for sabotage”: Wike vows to deliver on ‘Light Up Abuja’ Project

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a firm warning against any acts that could derail the newly launched ‘Light Up Abuja’ initiative, emphasizing that his administration will not tolerate sabotage.

Wike gave the warning on Thursday during the official flag-off of the Collector Road CN2—named Emmanuel I. Ogala Street—linking Yemi Osinbajo Way (Arterial N16) to Wole Soyinka Way (Arterial N20), along with Road ILS 5 in the Katampe District of Abuja.

The minister’s comments were spurred by a recent power outage on the Airport Road, which occurred while President Bola Tinubu was returning to the capital. Wike revealed he had summoned the contractor, CCECC, for an urgent briefing.

> “I know that all those things are just to distract us and weaken us, but I can assure you that my team and I are very determined,” he said.

“If there is one project we must achieve, it is the ‘Light Up Abuja’ project.”

Wike reiterated that all contractors and stakeholders must remain focused, noting that any attempt to undermine the project would be viewed as an attack on the capital’s development.

He also used the opportunity to unveil broader infrastructure plans under his leadership, stating that the road inauguration is part of a larger agenda to mark both President Tinubu’s third year in office and the FCT’s 50th anniversary in 2026.

Referring to the recently opened Gishiri-Maitama road and interchange, Wike explained the importance of the new link road to complete the network.

> “Recollect that sometime in July this year, Mr. President came and commissioned that interchange. So when we came, we found that without this road being linked up, it will not make sense,” he explained.

Wike praised China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) for beginning work on the road even before the formal contract was signed, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in the current administration.

He also highlighted the economic implications of the project, predicting a sharp rise in property values across the area.

> “If a property here was worth 200 or 300 million, within the next one month, its value will go to 700 million or 1 billion Naira. That is what good administration is; that is what the real essence of making the economy thrive is,” Wike said.

According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the new road is expected to ease traffic congestion significantly across Katampe and Gishiri Districts.