Wike Promises To Deliver Abandoned Goodluck Jonathan Way In December

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the long-delayed Inner Southern Expressway, also known as Goodluck Jonathan Way, will be completed and ready for use in December after remaining unfinished for about 12 years.

Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday while inspecting ongoing work on the road project alongside the construction of the service carriageways of the Southern Parkway in the Gaduwa District of Abuja.

The minister explained that the 10-kilometre road project was awarded in December 2014 and stretches from the Southern Parkway to Ring Road II at Galadimawa. The project also includes five bridges.

According to him, the road is among the few projects inherited from previous administrations that are yet to be completed under President Bola Tinubu’s government. He said the contractor has committed to completing the remaining six kilometres before the end of December, provided the required funds are released.

Wike described the road as one that would improve transportation and open up more parts of the Federal Capital Territory once completed. He added that discussions are ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure the necessary funds are made available so the contractor can meet the delivery date.

He also disclosed that the Apo-Karshi Road, which was awarded in 2010, is nearing completion, adding that work on the project has reached its final stage.

The minister said the Tinubu administration remains committed to completing projects inherited from previous governments instead of allowing them to remain abandoned. He added that bringing such projects to completion would improve infrastructure across the FCT and prevent waste of public resources.

Wike also visited the Southern Parkway service carriageway project, which runs from Arterial Road S20, also known as Oladipo Diya Way, in Gaduwa District to Ring Road II.

The road forms part of one of Abuja’s major transport routes, linking several residential districts across different phases of the Federal Capital City.

He expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that construction started after President Tinubu flagged off the project during activities marking his third year in office. He said the contractor had assured the administration that the project would also be delivered before the end of December.

Speaking on political developments in Rivers State, Wike reacted to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent declaration that he had returned to the Rainbow Coalition and pledged support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The FCT minister said Fubara’s decision to reunite with the political group that supported his emergence as governor was the right step. He maintained that the governor had realised the need to work again with the political family that brought him into office.

Wike said Fubara’s return would strengthen political cooperation within Rivers State and help mobilise support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. He added that members of the political camp were ready to work together for the development of the state and the success of the President’s second-term bid.