The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, kicked off construction of collector road C01 in the Institution and Research District on Oct. 17. The road will connect the Body of Benchers complex to Nile University, easing vehicle movement and helping nearby schools like Baze University and Nile University.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, Wike promised that the project will finish within the six-month deadline. “Let me assure you that if there is one road, if there is one project that will be completed within the time schedule, it is this particular project that will be completed,” he said.
The minister noted that the work was approved quickly through emergency procurement after the Body of Benchers appealed during their last Call to Bar ceremony. He said this shows President Tinubu’s backing for national bodies and his focus on fixing infrastructure. “Mr. President said, it is not only the Body of Benchers. Yes, I’m happy contributing and supporting the legal profession and those agencies that are within the legal profession,” Wike added.
He also announced that building 300-bed hostels for male and female students at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari will start on Monday, to upgrade facilities there. “You also remember that last year, we flagged off the construction of 10 bungalows to be furnished for Nigerian Law School. That is almost completed, and Mr. President said whatever can be done to upgrade that institution should be done. That is the essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Wike called the event Day 17 of the ongoing series of project launches and starts, stressing the need for citizens to work with government through proper channels, not just social media. He praised the Body of Benchers for their sensible way of asking for development. “Good citizens should be able to carry out their own responsibility by calling government attention, not everything you go to social media,” he advised.
The minister also calmed worries about the Fire Service building, saying the process is moving and will wrap up soon. “Do not have sleepless nights, you can sleep with your two eyes closed,” he assured.
He urged residents and schools to praise government work when projects are done, as positive feedback builds trust and keeps things going. “If you begin to say the government is also doing something, even in my own university the road has been tarred, then you are becoming a good citizen—and that’s the duty of good citizens,” he said.
Looking back, Wike recalled how the Body of Benchers chairman once put him in charge of their Infrastructure Committee, leading to the current annex construction. “This is the way to collaborate with government and get what you want. If you like, go 50 million times to social media, what you didn’t get through the door, you won’t get it through the window,” he noted.
The minister pushed for steady governance and shared duty in building the nation. “Mr. President has never said he’s going to solve all the problems of Nigeria, but he’s going to put Nigeria on the path of positive development. As a minister, even if I stay here for 500 years, problems will continue to come up, but within the time and resources available, we will do our best to give our people what they deserve,” he concluded.
