Wike threatens sanctions over unauthorized contract variations on Pai–Gomani road project
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to sanction officials of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) found responsible for unauthorised contract variations on the stalled 15-kilometre Pai–Gomani road project in Kwali Area Council.
Wike, who issued the warning on Saturday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT, said the variations were “unacceptable” and far exceeded his ministerial approval limits.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with both the slow pace of work and the unexplained cost adjustments, describing the new figures submitted as almost equivalent to the project’s original cost. He also faulted the breakdown in communication between the contractor and the STDD.
“There appears to be issues of variation, and I am not too comfortable with that. Those who did not do what they are supposed to do will have to be sanctioned because people believe that you can go ahead without certain approvals,” he said.
Wike noted that the Pai–Gomani project, which predates the recently completed and commissioned A2–Pai road of the same length, had suffered needless delays caused partly by poor oversight.
Earlier, the minister inspected ongoing transportation infrastructure, including the Central Business District Bus Terminal, where he expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work. He said the FCTA was rolling out new transportation reforms, including a public–private partnership model that will supply buses and taxis painted in Abuja colours to improve mobility and curb the “one-chance” menace.
“Eventually, the government will have to partner with private individuals, but for now government has to put in their own contribution so we can start off the operation of the bus terminals,” he stated.
Wike added that newly procured buses for the terminals were expected to arrive before the end-of-year commissioning.
