The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday said the June deadline given to contractors handling key infrastructure projects across the capital is non-negotiable.

Mr Wike said agreed timelines for projects scheduled for inauguration during President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary would be strictly followed.

Speaking while inspecting the ongoing projects in Abuja, Mr Wike expressed dissatisfaction with delays by a contractor handling road work in Wuse despite commending the quality of work delivered.

“We agreed that by the end of May or June that job will be delivered, but what we heard today is different. I’m not going to accept that,” the minister said. “I have directed that by the second week of June, that project must be handed over.”

The minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to meeting project delivery timelines, adding that the inspection tour was part of routine efforts to ensure quality control and accountability.

The FCT minister commended other contractors, particularly those handling the N16 interchange and the Institutions and Research Centre near key academic institutions in Abuja, describing their work as “top quality” and on track for inauguration.

Mr Wike stated, “We don’t just sit in our offices. We go out to verify the quality of jobs and ensure contractors meet up with timelines. At the N16 interchange, the quality of work speaks for itself. The contractor has assured us it will be ready for inauguration. The same applies to the Institutions and Research Centre; we are confident it will be delivered on schedule.”

At Tunga Madaki, where an access road and bridge linking Bill Clinton Drive on the Airport Road to nearby communities is nearing completion, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress, saying it would significantly improve connectivity.

“This road became necessary following the construction of the second runway by the ministry of aviation. The community demanded access, and we delivered. You can see they are putting finishing touches to the bridge,” he added.

Mr Wike noted plans to extend the road from the bridge axis to Zuba, adding that necessary procurement processes and compensation arrangements for affected communities were already underway.

He said, “From Bill Clinton Drive to Zuba will be opened up. This is part of our broader commitment to ensure that satellite towns benefit from development under this administration.

“We are going to inaugurate the satellite water projects in Bwari, Karu, and Orozo. In education, we have renovated and furnished several schools, especially in satellite towns. We’ve also awarded contracts for rehabilitation of health facilities. So, it’s not just about roads.”

The minister attributed water scarcity affecting parts of the Abuja municipal Area council to a damage caused to a major pipeline by a private developer.

“A major pipe was damaged during a private development. The Water Board is working seriously to fix it, but we will investigate and take action. If necessary, we will shut down that project because no one should inconvenience the public for personal gain,” he stated.

Mr Wike urged residents to be patient, assuring them that the administration would not tolerate negligence or sabotage affecting public utilities.

“It’s not our fault, but we take responsibility to fix it. The public should be assured that we are on top of the situation,” he said.

The minister said the FCT Administration remains committed to delivering infrastructure that would transform the city centre and satellite communities under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.