Wike Announces Plans to Turn Completed Apo-Karshi Road Into Tourist Attraction

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to transform the newly completed Apo-Karshi Road in Abuja into a tourist attraction following the completion of the long-delayed infrastructure project.

Wike disclosed this on Wednesday during an inspection of the road, which was initially awarded in 2010 but remained unfinished for several years.

The minister explained that President Bola Tinubu ordered the termination of the original contract after the indigenous contractor allegedly failed to complete the project despite receiving full payment.

According to Wike, the President subsequently directed that the contract be awarded to a more competent contractor because of the road’s strategic importance to residents and the development of the FCT.

“This road was awarded in 2010 to an indigenous contractor. 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,” he said.

Wike maintained that the administration remained focused on delivering infrastructure projects despite criticisms surrounding the cost of the new contract.

He said the government’s priority was to improve residents’ comfort and quality of life rather than be distracted by public criticism.

The minister 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 involved in constructing the road made its completion a significant engineering achievement.

Wike also said reactions on social media showed that many Nigerians were impressed by the scale and complexity of the project, adding that the road reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure development.

On the proposed commissioning, the minister disclosed that the FCT Administration was working around the President’s schedule, as several other projects were being prepared for inauguration.

He listed projects around ISEX, the Southern Parkway and Kaura District among those already inspected, adding that between 10 and 12 projects were being considered for commissioning.

Wike expressed optimism that Tinubu would inaugurate the Apo-Karshi Road before the end of November, saying efforts would be made to secure a suitable date on the President’s schedule.

The minister also disclosed plans to provide public amenities around the road to support its proposed transformation into a tourist destination.

He explained that the relevant tourism department would determine the facilities required, noting that the FCDA’s primary responsibility was road construction.

“But be sure that I will make it happen as a tourist centre,” Wike assured.