FCT: Wike approves resumption of work on abandoned Utako General Hospital, orders upgrade of others
The 19th Federal Capital Territory Executive Committee (FCT EXCO) meeting took place on Tuesday, with the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, presiding over the session alongside Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud. The committee approved the immediate resumption of work on the long-abandoned Utako General Hospital in Abuja.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), announced the decision at a press briefing following the meeting. She indicated that the resumption of work at Utako General Hospital would include the completion of construction, equipping the facility, and staffing.
The EXCO also sanctioned the immediate award of contracts for the renovation, rehabilitation, and modern re-equipping of all general hospitals in the FCT. Dr. Fasawe expressed optimism, stating that the upgrades would enhance the quality of healthcare available to residents. “Once the hospitals are upgraded and staffed, quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare will be within reach for the people of the FCT,” she said.
In related discussions, Director of the Security Department, Adamu Gwary, outlined significant measures approved by the EXCO aimed at improving safety in rural and satellite communities. These measures include a six-month contract for security infrastructure at the newly established Wasa informal sector, which will feature a dedicated police station serving the community. Gwary noted that this initiative complements the Minister’s commitment to constructing two fully furnished Divisional Police Headquarters in each of the six Area Councils of the FCT.
In judiciary developments, Salman Dako, General Counsel for the FCT, revealed a contract approved for the digital transformation of the FCT High Court system. This initiative will introduce electronic court recording and automated case management systems across 67 courtrooms, transitioning from manual documentation to electronic filings.
In the education sector, Education Secretary Danlami Hayyo confirmed the EXCO’s approval for the procurement of examination materials for FCT public schools, aimed at facilitating a smooth examination process amid an influx of students from private institutions. The administration is also addressing teacher welfare by funding 40 percent of Area Council teachers’ arrears and providing a N2 billion monthly intervention fund.
Infrastructure improvements in satellite communities have also been prioritized, with Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department, announcing a N5.3 billion contract for the construction of a power supply line serving several villages. In addition, the EXCO ratified two completed projects: the Gaba/Tokulo Road and the N8.8 billion rehabilitation of the Paikon Kore/Ibwa Road.
Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, reported that efforts to modernize land administration include the purchase of utility vehicles and enhancements to ICT operations in collaboration with the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company.
The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council received approval for six environmental initiatives, as confirmed by Overseeing Coordinator Mary Amina Ahmadu. These projects focus on solid waste management, waterway desilting, waste dump maintenance, and solar street lighting.
Additionally, Mrs. Chinyere Elechi Arayi, Acting General Manager of the FCT Water Board, confirmed contracts for high-tech hypochlorite powdered chlorine for water treatment and renewed insurance for the Lower Usuma Dam treatment plant.
Concluding the briefing, the Chief of Staff acknowledged the press’s partnership in disseminating information and emphasized the Minister’s commitment to ensuring that governance benefits extend throughout both urban and rural areas of the Federal Capital Territory.
