The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to transform Abuja into a global hub before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first tenure.

“I want to assure the residents of Abuja, by the grace of God, that before the first tenure of Mr. President ends, Abuja will compete with most of the cities in the world,” Wike said.

He made the statement on Thursday during the flag-off of the construction of Arterial Road M20 (Solomon Lar Way – Obafemi Awolowo Way – Airport Expressway) in Abuja.

Explaining why the project’s commencement was delayed despite being awarded in March, Wike said he wanted to ensure funds were available before groundbreaking.

“I don’t want a situation where you go to the site and then pull out. That would be embarrassing. Now that we are ready, you must move to site and remain until the job is completed. I don’t like variation. Funds will be made available so there are no excuses,” he said.

Wike also assured residents that his administration will continue to develop not just the city but also satellite towns. “We have massively started to reconstruct schools. Now we are entering the health sector. No sector will be left untouched,” he added.