The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has signed two key Memoranda of Understanding with Chinese firms aimed at improving the lighting of the FCT and bolstering rural water supply.
According to The PUNCH, the MoUs were signed in Beijing during Wike’s visit to China with President Bola Tinubu for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.
The agreements were made with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group.
According to a statement released in Abuja by Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press in the Office of the FCT Minister, these projects are expected to be completed ahead of the 50th anniversary of the FCT, which is set for next year.
Wike highlighted the importance of the lighting project, stating, “One key project that is very dear to us is the lighting up of Abuja. As Abuja will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, we envision it to be a jubilee year. We want Abuja to shine like other global cities, similar to the lighting we have seen in Beijing.”
The lighting projects will focus on several strategic areas within the city. CCECC will handle the illumination of districts such as Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, the Central Business District, Airport Road, and Bill Clinton Drive.
Meanwhile, CGCOC will be responsible for lighting up Mabushi, Katampe, and Garki districts.
In addition to the lighting initiative, the MoUs also address rural water supply. Wike stressed the need for expanding water infrastructure beyond the city, saying, “The President has directed us not to focus solely on the city but to ensure that rural communities are also covered.”
As part of the agreement, rural areas like Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje will benefit from extended water services.
The Minister also provided an update on the Greater Abuja Water Works project, which is currently being managed by CGCOC and has reached 75% completion. He expressed optimism that the project would be finished by December.
Leaders from both CCECC and CGCOC expressed their commitment to delivering the projects within the agreed timelines. Chen Sichang, President of CCECC, and Lan Meizhong, Chairman of CGCOC, assured Wike of their dedication to maintaining high-quality standards in the execution of the projects.
The agreements mark a significant outcome of the recent FOCAC Summit, further strengthening ties between Nigeria and China.
