Wike Sets December Deadline for Abuja Roads Started in 2014, Says Projects May Extend to January 2027

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has set December 2026 as the target for completing two long-delayed road projects in Abuja, with early January 2027 also given as a possible completion window.

The projects are the Inner Southern Expressway, popularly known as Goodluck Jonathan Way, and the service carriageways of the Southern Parkway in Gaduwa. Wike gave the timeline after inspecting construction work at the sites.

The Inner Southern Expressway is one of Abuja’s older unfinished road projects. It was originally awarded in 2014 but has faced delays over the years, leaving residents waiting more than a decade for its full delivery.

The ongoing work includes two major interchanges and more than five kilometres of road infrastructure. Once completed, the projects are expected to strengthen connections between key parts of the Federal Capital Territory and improve traffic movement.

Wike said the completion of the roads would significantly improve connectivity and ease congestion while also transforming the appearance and development pattern of parts of Abuja.

The December deadline is particularly significant because the Inner Southern Expressway has been under development since 2014. For residents who have watched the project move through years of delays, another deadline will carry little weight without actual delivery.

The minister’s inspection has now put the projects back in the spotlight, with the FCT Administration expected to maintain pressure on contractors as the year-end target approaches.

For Abuja residents, however, the real measure of the latest promise will not be another inspection or revised timeline. It will be whether the long-delayed roads are finally opened for use by December 2026 or early January 2027.