Wike to Transform Apo-Karshi Road Into Tourist Attraction

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike said plans are underway to transform communities along the newly constructed Apo-Karshi road into a tourist attraction.

Wike who disclosed this on Wednesday during an inspection of the road, said the recent reactions that trailed the completion of the project on social media showed that Nigerians love tourist attractive areas. He said many Nigerians were surprised that a project of such scale and engineering complexity could be delivered in the country.

Wike explained that President Bola Tinubu ordered the termination of the long-abandoned project after the initial indigenous contractor failed to deliver the project despite receiving full payment.

The minister noted that the President’s intervention paved the way for the award of the contract to a more competent contractor, adding that the decision was informed by the strategic importance of the road to residents and the development of the FCT.

“This road was awarded in 2010 to an indigenous contractor. We did all we could to persuade the contractor to ensure that the job was fully implemented, even though we had fully paid. But the contractor was not forthcoming,” he said.

The minister said the administration was not distracted by criticisms that followed the award of the new contract, insisting that its priority was to deliver projects that would improve the lives of residents.

“When this contract was awarded, some people were asking how we could award it at that amount. But we were not deterred. All we were concerned about was the happiness and comfort of the people,” he said.

On plans to provide public facilities around the road to support its emerging status as a tourist destination, the minister said the administration would develop appropriate amenities in collaboration with the relevant departments.

He said he had rejected a proposal from the FCDA coordinator, stressing that the authority’s primary responsibility was road construction, while the department responsible for tourism would determine the facilities required.

“But be sure that I will make it happen as a tourist centre,” Wike assured.

Expressing satisfaction with the quality of work, Wike described the Apo-Karshi road as one of the most publicised projects handled by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), noting that its difficult terrain made the achievement particularly remarkable.