The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to generate more than 1,600 direct and indirect jobs for youths in the capital city through the provision of potable water across the area councils.

 

Wike made this known on Wednesday during the official flag-off of the construction and expansion of water supply facilities in Bwari Township, Bwari Area Council, under Lot 1 of the FCT satellite town water projects.

 

According to the minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is determined to fulfill his promise of extending clean, treated water beyond the city centre to all six area councils of the FCT.

 

“Remember in 2023 when we were appointed, we had stakeholders’ meetings with the six area councils, and in one of such meetings I said the president was desirous of providing potable clean water to the satellite towns,” Wike recalled. “People thought it was politics, but one thing you must give to Mr President is that when he makes promises, he fulfills them.”

 

He explained that though the original contract duration was set at 18 months, the federal government has mandated the contractors to complete the work in time for commissioning during President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

 

“Mr President immediately approved 50 percent of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria, and with the company’s commitment, we believe they will deliver on schedule,” the minister added.

 

Wike further assured that development will not be limited to the city centre but will spread across the satellite towns. “After Bwari and Karu, the next year’s budget will cover Kuje and Kwali, and by 2027, Gwagwalada and Abaji will also benefit. By the time Mr President’s four years expires, every area council will have access to clean, treated water,” he stated.

 

Highlighting the economic impact of the project, the minister said the initiative will create over 1,600 jobs while improving the lives of residents.

 

“This is the first time a government is saying you too deserve to have portable, clean water, because water is life. It’s not just promises, but implementation,” he emphasized.

 

Wike assured residents that the project will not suffer abandonment. “Be assured this will not be one of those abandoned projects. We start and we complete. When I come back to say we have performed, you too will perform,” he said.