ABUJA – The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has taken a significant step toward enhancing the development of Abuja by signing two major Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Chinese construction giants, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group.
The agreements, signed in Beijing on Saturday, September 7, 2024, aim to light up the FCT with solar power and ensure reliable water supply to rural areas.
The MOUs were finalised as part of Wike’s visit to China, accompanying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The projects are set to be completed in time for the 50th anniversary of the creation of the FCT.
Under the agreement, CCECC will handle the installation of solar lighting systems in key areas of the capital city, including Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, the Central Business District, and the Airport Road down to Bill Clinton Drive. CGCOC, on the other hand, will oversee similar projects in Mabushi, Katampe, and Garki districts.
On water supply, Wike emphasized that the Greater Abuja Water Works project, being managed by CGCOC, is already 75% completed and is expected to be finalized by December 2024.
In addition to addressing the city’s water needs, the MOUs include plans to improve water access in satellite towns like Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje.
“The President has made it clear that development must reach all corners of the FCT, not just the city center,” Wike stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to equitable development.
One of the centerpiece projects is the “Light Up Abuja” initiative, which seeks to transform the capital into a modern, illuminated city akin to global metropolises like Beijing.
“Abuja will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and we want to mark this milestone by making our capital shine like never before,” Wike said.
He lauded the quality of work carried out by CCECC, particularly in the successful commercial operation of the Abuja Metro Line during President Tinubu’s first-anniversary celebration. Wike described the metro’s completion as a key achievement under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for granting the FCTA approval to embark on these vital projects, while urging CGCOC to ensure swift delivery, especially concerning the satellite town water supply initiative.
In their remarks, Mr. Chen Sichang, President of CCECC, and Mr. Lan Meizhong, Chairman of CGCOC, both pledged timely and high-quality execution of the projects, expressing their gratitude for the trust placed in their companies.
The signing of these MOUs underscores the positive outcomes of the FOCAC Summit and reflects Nigeria’s ongoing collaboration with China to drive infrastructural and economic development.
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