Abuja Will Partner With Nasarawa To Enhance Rail, Road Networks – Wike Pledges To Tackle Transportation Challenges Headlong
By Rita Elenwo
The minister of federal capital territory Nyesom Wike has said that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will partner with the Nasarawa State Government on the development of rail lines and road transportation networks.
The minister stated this during a courtesy visit of the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.
Wike, while Acknowledging the proximity of Nasarawa State to the Federal Capital Territory, emphasized the need for synergy for the development of the two entities.
For him, FCTA would open discussion with the Nasarawa State Government on the development of a metro rail from Apo to Keffi and the completion of the road artery from Abacha Barracks to Masaka.
Wike, who noted that the metro line is expensive but necessary, added that efforts are in top gear, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, to have it completed in the next seven months.
He attributed the key challenge affecting the development efforts of the FCT to a shortage of funds, adding that many projects and contracts had been awarded but were not executed due to insufficient funds.
Disclosing that FCTA is identifying major projects with high impact that can be financed and completed, Wike noted that Abuja cannot grow if its projects do not equally impact positively on Nasarawa State.
He also emphasized the imperative of a stronger partnership with the Nasarawa government to tackle insecurity.
The FCT minister, however, refused to commit to the development of land for a clean city, as proposed by the Nasarawa Government, citing the shortage of funds as an excuse.
Also stressing the need for partnerships between the FCT and Nasarawa, Gov Sule pointed out that more than 40 percent of people working in Abuja reside in the neighbouring state.
“This is why we have this road from Abacha Barracks down to the border that is so difficult to define in Nyanya. We have challenges with transportation.
“But thanks to the FCT’s road network to the border, we understand that the road will continue all the way to Masaka.
“The FCT has a part to play, and the [Nasarawa] state government will also do its part, ” he said.
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