Abuja: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, stated that the ongoing road construction projects in the rural communities of the nation’s capital are set to enhance food security. This announcement was made in Abuja after the minister inspected various ongoing projects in preparation for their inauguration, which will coincide with the celebration of President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, some of the projects inspected by Wike included the completed Market and Palace Road in Gwagwalada, the completed 15-kilometre stretch from A2 to Pai, and the ongoing 15.4-kilometre Pai to Gumani road in the Kwali Area Council. He also reviewed the ongoing dualisation of the Ushafa to Military Checkpoint and War College Roads in Bwari Area Council.
Wike expressed his surprise at the vast arable land between Pai and Gumani, indicating that the newly constructed access roads in these rural communities would significantly enhance agricultural production and subsequently impact food security. He highlighted the importance of these projects, noting that once completed, they would facilitate the use of land and water resources for agricultural purposes.
The minister remarked on the leadership under President Tinubu, expressing optimism about the future developments in these areas. He emphasized that the lack of access roads has been a significant barrier to agricultural activities in rural areas, but with the ongoing construction, more lands would become available for mechanized agriculture, thereby boosting food production.
Wike underscored the importance of roads as fundamental to development, stating that roads attract other essential development projects. He mentioned that roads facilitate the construction of schools and health facilities, which are crucial for comprehensive community development.
In an effort to further improve road connectivity, Wike revealed plans to extend the Pai to Gumani road project by an additional 13 kilometers to connect Gumani and Yangoje in the Kwali Area Council. The extension, once completed, will result in a road spanning over 43 kilometers from the A2 (Abuja – Lokoja Expressway) to Yangoje, enhancing connectivity in the region.
The minister concluded by expressing satisfaction with the progress of the projects and the positive reception from local residents, reiterating that these developments represent the dividends of democracy.
