Wike promises to deliver abandoned Goodluck Jonathan Way, other new roads in December
Abuja, Nigeria — Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has committed to completing the long-delayed Inner Southern Expressway, also known as Goodluck Jonathan Way. The project, awarded in December 2014, has remained unfinished for 12 years.
Wike made the announcement Tuesday in Abuja following an inspection of the expressway and the ongoing construction of service carriageways at the Southern Parkway in Gaduwa District. He outlined that the 10-kilometer stretch will connect Southern Parkway to Ring Road II at Galadimawa and includes five bridges.
He emphasized that this expressway, along with the Apo-Karshi Road, is the only significant project from previous administrations that has not yet been completed under President Bola Tinubu’s government. Wike stated that the contractor is expected to finalize the remaining six kilometers of the roadway by the end of December, dependent on funding availability.
“This road is crucial for improving the landscape of the FCT,” Wike said, noting that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance to secure the necessary funds. He highlighted the importance of this project as part of the government’s commitment to continuity in completing previously awarded initiatives.
Additionally, Wike reported progress on the Apo-Karshi Road, which was initiated in 2010 and is nearing completion.
He expressed confidence that completing these projects would fulfill President Tinubu’s promise to address all initiatives awarded by prior administrations from 2010 to 2023. “This will signify a significant achievement for this administration, as we aim to have no abandoned projects,” he added.
Wike also assessed the construction of two service carriageways of the Southern Parkway, which links various residential districts in Abuja’s southern development area.
“This road was inaugurated during the celebration of Tinubu’s third year in office, and we are here to review the contractor’s progress,” he said. The contractor has pledged to deliver the project by the end of December, and Wike expressed optimism regarding their commitment.
In related political news, Wike commented on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent announcement of his return to the Rainbow Coalition and his loyalty to Tinubu’s re-election campaign. Wike noted that there is “no sin in politics,” and affirmed that it is acceptable for individuals to correct their past mistakes.
He welcomed Fubara back into the political sphere, suggesting that the governor’s alignment with their political camp would bolster support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. “He had no other choice but to return to the same political family that brought him to power,” Wike stated.
