FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has pushed back against allegations that a political party was refused access to Eagle Square, stating that no official request was ever received.
“Who denied them? I have no knowledge of any such situation, and I’m not even sure which party is being referenced. If this is about the African Democratic Congress, such accusations are simply their typical tactic to attract public sympathy,” Wike stated through his media aide, Lere Olayinka.
The minister clarified that accessing Eagle Square requires following proper procedures, including submitting a formal application to the Abuja Investments Company Limited — the body responsible for managing the facility — alongside payment of the applicable fees.
Wike additionally noted that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome falls outside the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, as it is managed by the Sports Commission.
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“As we speak, no formal application has been submitted to the Abuja Investments Company Limited. When the All Progressives Congress (APC) used the venue and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) used the Stadium Velodrome, they complied with the process. We do not deny anyone access, if the rules are followed,” he added.
Wike spoke during an inspection of ongoing projects in Abuja, where he expressed satisfaction with the level of work done, noting that key road projects would be completed by May 15.
“The contractors have assured us that road works will be completed by May 15, while streetlight installations will be finalised before the end of May,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that at Gaduwa, he had directed the installation of protective mesh to prevent encroachment on road corridors, while works on streetlights were progressing.
At Wassa, Wike said the administration was set to relocate informal sector operators, particularly Apo Mechanic Village traders, to a new facility equipped with necessary infrastructure.
“This project is aimed at improving the working conditions of artisans and fulfilling long-standing promises to the informal sector,” he stated.
On reports the windstorm that affected the roof of the Kugbo Bus Terminal, the minister said it was a natural disaster that no one had control over, explaining that only roofing sheets were affected, and the damages were already being fixed.
“The terminal did not collapse. The structure is intact. What happened was that strong winds blew off parts of the roof. Repairs are ongoing,” Wike said, noting that no lives were lost.
He attributed the steady progress of projects in the FCT to effective collaboration between the government and contractors, supported by prompt payment of contractual obligations.
