Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has praised indigenous construction firms, declaring that Nigerian contractors are now capable of executing major infrastructure projects to the same standard as their foreign counterparts.
Wike made the remarks on Monday during the inauguration of the Karu Road project in Abuja by President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The minister revealed that he had initially hesitated to award the contract to Abdul-Val Constructions Limited due to previous experiences with local contractors who abandoned projects after receiving mobilisation funds.
According to him, the company convinced the FCT Administration to give it a chance after requesting an opportunity to prove its competence. Wike said the contractor was first assigned the War College–Ushafa Road project, which it successfully completed and earned the administration’s confidence.
He commended the firm for maintaining work on the Karu Road project despite delays in payment, noting that its commitment reflected confidence in the Tinubu administration.
Wike said the contractor fulfilled its promise by completing both the road and the accompanying drainage infrastructure ahead of the President’s third anniversary project commissioning programme.
He described the project as evidence that Nigerian-owned firms can deliver quality infrastructure when given the opportunity.
The minister also announced that President Tinubu had approved the construction of all roads within Karu Town, including the EFCC Road, DSS Road, hospital road and other internal roads requested by residents.
According to Wike, the completed projects have transformed the area and will significantly improve traffic flow along the Karu-Nyanya-Mararaba corridor.
He urged Nigerians to support the current administration, stressing that development projects should be appreciated regardless of political affiliation and assuring residents that infrastructure would continue to reach communities across the Federal Capital Territory.