FCTA To Go Into PPP To Increase Abuja Entry/Exit Points

ABUJA, August 04, (THEWILL) - In addition to the on-going expansion/rehabilitation of the Airport and Kubwa roads respectively, the FCT Administration will go into Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) to construct new roads leading into and exiting from the Federal Capital City, Abuja.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed made this disclosure on Wednesday, while receiving officials of the Abuja Chapter of the Alumni Association of National Institute of Policy & Strategy Studies, Kuru (AANI) that paid him a courtesy call.

The Minister further disclosed that this initiative by his administration was borne out of the desire to permanently put to rest the chaotic traffic problems at the entry points into the Federal Capital City especially at peak hours.

Senator Mohammed revealed that the Public-Private-Partnership is envisaged to open up roads from the City Centre through Bwari and burst out in Sabon Wuse in Niger State; the one through Karshi will go all the way to Nasarawa State; while the southern axis will be through Kuje and Abaji.

According to him, "All these innovations when accomplished will ensure uninterrupted flow of traffic in and out of the Federal Capital Territory and thereby making Abuja an investor’s haven even when the Phases I-IV of the Federal Capital City has been developed."

The Minister thus, lamented the use of unpainted taxis and tricycles in the Federal Capital City; attributing it to the failure of the mass transit.

Senator Mohammed assured that concrete foundation would be laid for the Abuja Mass Transit Network where subsidy may be provided for public transportation to ensure affordability and sustenance.

He emphasized that his administration is inspired and propelled by the desire to leave a lasting legacy for the future generation in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The Minister challenged the Association to conduct a study on any critical sector of the Federal Capital Territory that would assist the government in policy formulation.

Senator Mohammed promised to allocate a mass housing plot for the Association to embark on the proposed AANI Housing Estate as well as a plot of land for building of ANNI Centre Abuja for research and development.

He reiterated that NIPSS has produced sound intellectuals who have contributed immensely to national development.

Speaking earlier, Abuja AANI President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim recalled that NIPSS was established in 1979 to serve as a high level centre of reflection, research, and dialogue where academics of intellectual excellence, policy initiator and executors meet to reflect and exchange ideas on societal issues as they relate to Nigeria and Africa in the context of dynamics of a changing World.

The President who was represented at the occasion by the Association’s Secretary-General, Ogbuewa Udo Emele commended the Minister for his vision for the FCT.