Wike Promises a New Look Abuja by 2027

Abuja residents may soon begin to see the city transform before their eyes, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured that the capital will undergo massive infrastructural renewal before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first term.

Speaking at Mabushi District on Monday during the flag-off of access roads ILS 02 and ILS 03 (Timipre Sylva Street), Wike said the ongoing projects reflect the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is designed to give Abuja the look and feel of some of the best-planned cities in the world.

Over the past three days alone, three major road projects have been launched, with nine more set to begin before October 2025.

Some of these projects include the development of new roads to connect districts, the construction of bridges in Kaura to tackle flooding, a second runway for the Abuja airport, rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction, and engineering works in Guzape District.

There are also plans to provide official residences for the heads of Nigeria’s top courts, a move the Minister described as key to safeguarding the independence and welfare of judicial officers.

Wike stressed that these developments are not just about beautifying the city but about making life easier and more convenient for residents.

“By the time Mr President’s tenure expires, Abuja will be a different city. In terms of infrastructure, Abuja will compete with other known cities of the world,” he said.

He also responded to criticisms that his administration is focusing too heavily on road construction, explaining that infrastructure is the bedrock of lasting development.

More importantly, he assured that no project will be awarded without proper funding to avoid raising false hopes.

The Minister also visited two major judiciary-related projects—the Court of Appeal complex in Jabi and the new judges’ quarters in Gishiri. While he expressed satisfaction with the progress on the housing project for judges, he raised concerns about delays at the Court of Appeal site and promised to hold contractors accountable to ensure completion this year.

For him, providing decent housing for judges is not just a welfare measure but also a way of strengthening the independence of the judiciary.

According to Wike, the current push is about much more than aesthetics. It is about creating a functional, secure, and investor-friendly city where residents can move around more easily, where the justice system is strengthened, and where neglected projects are finally completed.

“Abuja belongs to all of us,” he told residents. “What we’re doing is not just for now, but to ensure that this city truly reflects its place as the capital of Africa’s biggest nation.”