The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department, Abdulkadir Zulkifu, and several other officials over what he described as unauthorised and illegal variations of government contracts.

Wike delivered the warning during a weekend inspection of the ongoing 15-kilometre Pai to Gomani to Yangoli road project, where he expressed concern that the approved contract terms were allegedly altered without the necessary clearance from the Federal Executive Council.

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Minister Expresses Concern Over Contract Variations

According to the minister, the project raised red flags that suggested a troubling level of cooperation between some officials and contractors. He said the administration would not tolerate any attempt to adjust contract figures or specifications without proper approval.

“Frankly speaking, I am not too impressed because that road was awarded before the A2 to Pai road, and we have already commissioned that one,” Wike said during the inspection. “From what I have seen, there appears to be a communication gap between the administration and the contractors. There are issues of variation and I am not comfortable with that. We will go back and look at everything, and anyone who has failed to do what is required will be sanctioned.”

The minister added that some public officials seemed to believe they could approve changes to contract terms without following due process. He stressed that such actions amounted to misconduct and would be investigated thoroughly.

Governance analysts have long noted that contract variations are one of the most common avenues for corruption in Nigeria’s public works sector. Experts say the minister’s comments highlight the need for tighter oversight within the FCT’s project management processes.

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Wike Commends Tinubu Administration’s Push for Rural Development

Despite his frustration with the project team, Wike praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising infrastructure development in satellite towns around the nation’s capital. He said ongoing road projects in rural communities signaled a renewed commitment to addressing long-standing urban imbalance within the FCT.

According to him, the improvements being recorded across several districts demonstrate the government’s capacity to tackle development challenges in both urban and rural areas.

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FCT Plans Partnership for Bus Terminal Operations

The minister also inspected the Central Business District bus terminal, where he assured residents that the FCT Administration would partner with private investors to ensure smooth operations once the terminal becomes fully functional.

Wike said the partnership approach would help improve service delivery, reduce congestion and support the administration’s broader efforts to modernise public transportation across Abuja.

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Closing

The FCT Administration is expected to commence an investigation into the alleged contract variations in the coming days. Wike has maintained that officials found culpable will face disciplinary action, as the government works to tighten transparency and restore confidence in its project delivery process