The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to transform the Apo-Karshi Road into a major tourist attraction following the completion of the long-delayed infrastructure project, which was originally awarded in 2010.
Related: Wike vows to deliver key FCT projects before January, warns contractors against delays
Key Highlights
- FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says the Apo-Karshi Road will be developed into a tourist destination.
- The project was initially awarded in 2010 but was delayed after the first contractor reportedly failed to deliver despite receiving full payment.
- President Bola Tinubu reportedly ordered the termination of the original contract and its re-award to another contractor.
- Wike says the FCT Administration is planning public facilities and amenities to support the road’s proposed tourism status.
- The minister hopes President Tinubu will commission the road before the end of November 2026.
Wike Announces Tourism Plans for Apo-Karshi Road
Wike made the announcement on Wednesday during an inspection of the road in Abuja. He said the project, which had remained incomplete for years, was revived after President Bola Tinubu intervened and directed the termination of the original contract.
According to the minister, the road was first awarded in 2010 to an indigenous contractor who allegedly failed to complete the work despite receiving full payment.
“We did all we could to persuade the contractor to ensure that the job was fully implemented, even though we had fully paid. But the contractor was not forthcoming,” Wike said.
He explained that after the matter was brought to Tinubu’s attention, the President directed that the contract be terminated and awarded to another company considered capable of delivering the project.
Wike Defends Re-award of Contract
The FCT minister said the administration remained focused on completing the road despite criticisms surrounding the cost and decision to award a fresh contract.
He maintained that the government’s priority was to deliver infrastructure that would improve the lives of residents and support the development of the Federal Capital Territory.
“When this contract was awarded, some people were asking how we could award it at that amount. But we were not deterred. All we were concerned about was the happiness and comfort of the people,” he said.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, describing the Apo-Karshi Road as one of the most publicised projects undertaken by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
He noted that the difficult terrain made the construction particularly challenging and said the project had attracted considerable public attention, including reactions on social media.
Apo-Karshi Road Reflects Tinubu Administration’s Infrastructure Drive
Wike described the completed road as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure development in Abuja.
He urged Nigerians to assess the government’s performance broadly, rather than judging its activities based on isolated issues.
The minister also acknowledged the role of journalists in bringing attention to the project, saying media reports had helped the public understand the scale and engineering demands of the construction.
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Tinubu May Commission Road Before End of November
On the proposed commissioning, Wike said the FCT Administration was working around the President’s schedule because several other projects were being prepared for inauguration.
He disclosed that the administration had inspected projects at ISEX, the Southern Parkway and Kaura District. According to him, between 10 and 12 projects were being considered for commissioning.
Wike expressed hope that President Tinubu would inaugurate the Apo-Karshi Road before the end of November 2026, adding that the administration would make efforts to secure a place for the project on the President’s schedule.
FCT Plans Public Facilities to Support Tourism
The minister also said the administration would provide appropriate public facilities and amenities around the road to support its proposed development as a tourist destination.
He explained that the facilities would be planned in collaboration with the relevant departments, noting that road construction and tourism development fall under different areas of responsibility.
Wike said he had rejected a proposal submitted by the FCDA coordinator because the authority’s primary responsibility was road construction, while the department responsible for tourism should determine the facilities required to develop the area.
“But be sure that I will make it happen as a tourist centre,” he assured.
The proposed tourism development is expected to depend on the provision of suitable public amenities and supporting infrastructure around the Apo-Karshi corridor.
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