By Esther Ososanya
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has flagged off Lot 1 of a 198km water pipeline project designed to supply potable water to residents of Bwari Area Council and its surrounding communities.
Speaking during the launch on Wednesday, Wike said the project is a direct fulfilment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to deliver pipe-borne water to Abuja residents.
“One thing you must give to Mr President is that, when he makes his promises, he always fulfils his promises. Today, we are in Bwari. Tomorrow, we will be in Karu, in essence, taking two area councils together,” he stated.
The minister revealed that although the contract was originally scheduled for 18 months, the contractors were urged to fast-track the process so it could be commissioned by President Tinubu’s third-year anniversary in office.
Wike disclosed that 50 per cent of the contract sum had already been approved and released to Messrs China Geo-engineering Construction Limited.
“The contractors assured us that if funds were made available, they would accelerate the job. Based on that, Mr President immediately approved the release of 50% of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited,” he explained.
Extending Development to Area Councils
Wike stressed that the administration was committed to extending development beyond the city centre into satellite towns.
“By the time we finish in Bwari and Karu, in the next year’s budget, by the grace of God, we will be able to go to Kuje and Kwali. And then by 2027, by the grace of God, we will have taken over Gwagwalada and Abaji,” he said.
The project, according to the minister, will create at least 1,600 direct jobs. It will also provide an alternative to indiscriminate borehole drilling, giving residents access to a centralised water supply.
“In the end, residents will just link up to the general water source, and then the water will flow,” Wike added.
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In his address, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, confirmed that the pipelines will serve not only Bwari township but also Ushafa, Jigu, Kuduru, Kuchuku, and other surrounding communities.
He said the project would improve the living conditions and overall well-being of thousands of residents.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
