Wike threatens to sack STDD Coordinator over refuse heaps, sets deadlines for road projects

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern ultimatum to the Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department STDD, Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, threatening immediate dismissal over unevacuated refuse heaps.

Wike gave the warning on Friday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across several Satellite Towns in the FCT.

The visit, which covered Karshi, Bwari and Kubwa, was aimed at assessing the progress of the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the capital.

The mood of the inspection shifted when the minister’s attention was drawn to a massive refuse dump along the Orozo-Karshi road

Expressing visible displeasure at the negligence, Wike took a hardline stance on performance standards, stating that he was prepared to take a decisive action regarding the oversight.

He warned that if he continued to see negligence or a refusal to comply with performance standards by Monday, he would not hesitate to terminate the appointment of those responsible.

Wike emphasized that infrastructure development and environmental sanitation must go hand-in-hand, insisting that development cannot be compromised.

The minister noted that if there is a refuse management or operational failure in Karshi or Bwari, those accountable will be held responsible come Monday, as the administration will not tolerate practices that delay progress.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of road construction, particularly in Karshi.
Addressing the long-standing delay of the Apo-Karshi road, a project that has frustrated commuters for over a decade, Wike confirmed that government has taken a drastic step to ensure completion.

He explained that because of the importance of the road, the contract was rescinded and re-awarded to SCC Construction Company, who have already begun work in earnest.

Another major highlight of the tour was the 17-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa Road, which the minister described as a critical structural development that will transform the economic landscape for communities between the two major hubs.

Wike provided clear timelines for the completion of these projects, aiming to bring immediate relief to FCT residents. The Bwari-Kubwa Road is scheduled for completion by May 3, 2026, while he also directed the landscaping and environmental improvements by the end of the year

Culled from punch