“I’m happy to announce to you that the Minister of Finance has been able to release 50 percent of the National Supplementary budget, and that in a way, has given us hope that the contractors would be paid anytime from now.”
This was the assurance given today, January 4, by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during his inspection of the ongoing capital projects in the capital city.
Wike said that his administration has already received 50 percent of its N100 billion 2023 supplementary budget, following the directive of the President to the Minister of Finance to make the payment.
According to him, availability of funds has given the hope that the contractors would be paid soon.
He made it clear that no project would be left uncompleted in the FCT as promised.
“We have also gotten the assent of the statutory supplementary budget which Mr. President assented to. That again has given us hope that no project will be left uncompleted as promised.”
The projects which the minister inspected include the expansion of the Outer Northern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to OSEX/Ring Road I (RRI) Junction, including four numbers of interchanges, being handled by the C.G.C Nig. Ltd; the Full scope Development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to ONEX with spurs being undertaken by Gilmor and the official residence of the Vice President being undertaken by Julius Berger (Nig.PLC)
According to Wike, the inspection tour was informed by the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to give account of their activities and achievements on a monthly basis.
“The holidays are over and Mr. President has given a marching order when he assented to the 2024 budget that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must give account of what they are doing and what they are able to achieve and I believe just as I’m here, so also other Ministers in their various offices are also carrying out their jobs.”
The Minister noted with satisfaction the quality of work at the various sites visited and commended the contractors for their efforts and commitment.
He expressed confidence that the projects would be completed within the agreed time scheduled, adding that all promises made in the FCT will be fulfilled.
“As you can see, these are quality projects and we are very satisfied with what we have seen and we believe with the arrangements the contractors have made and put in place, these are things that would be commissioned during the President’s first year in office.
“I’m sure residents of Abuja have seen a different thing. No promise made that will not be fulfilled. All promises made will be fulfilled and we also want to commend the residents of Abuja for the support they have given to us.”
