The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that the long-delayed Apo-Karshi road will be completed and handed over by November, bringing an end to a 15-year wait for residents in the area. The minister gave this assurance in Abuja on Saturday after inspecting the project’s progress, alongside the ongoing construction of the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa Road.
Background of the Apo-Karshi Road Project
The 13.5-kilometre road was originally awarded in 2011 under previous administrations, but persistent delays have caused daily traffic congestion for motorists travelling between satellite communities and the Abuja city centre. According to Mr Wike, the current administration was forced to revoke the original contract due to these delays and re-award it to construction firm SCC Nigeria Ltd.
“The Apo-Karshi road has been a topical issue. It was awarded in 2010, and it was one of the projects President Bola Tinubu inherited,” the minister explained. “Because of its importance and the complaints by residents, we had to terminate the contract and award it to SCC, which we know has the capacity to complete the job.”
Government Commitment and Contractor Performance
Mr Wike praised the contractor for maintaining progress on-site regardless of funding cycles, reaffirming the government’s commitment to honouring its financial obligations. “Residents who have been crying for years can now see that this government has come to their aid,” he said.
The minister also inspected the ongoing construction of the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa road, stressing that the contractor had promised to deliver the critical road in December. He emphasised that the tangible delivery of infrastructure projects serves as the strongest argument for the administration’s governance model, downplaying traditional political campaigning in favour of visible results.
Infrastructure as a Governance Priority
“When people ask me about campaigns, I say, ‘What is campaign? See the campaign. Campaign is about what you have done for the people and what the government has to show. It is not about promises; it is about taking action that positively impacts lives,” Mr Wike stated.
With multiple road networks approaching completion across the FCT, the minister expressed confidence that the administration would surpass its initial 10-project target for inauguration between December 2026 and January 2027. The completion of the Apo-Karshi road in November is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve access for residents in the satellite communities.
