Once I approve, do the needful’ —Wike warns Directors delaying files

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has warned directors in the FCT Administration against unnecessary bureaucracy that may delay the delivery of projects.

Mr Wike gave the warning on Tuesday while inaugurating the construction of a five-kilometre (km) road connecting Naharati, River Ukya and Unguwan Hausawa road in Abaji Area Council of FCT.

He particularly warned the directors against sitting on files for weeks.

“We had a meeting on Monday with the most senior directors, and I was telling them that woe unto that director who will keep a file that I have approved for weeks.

“Woe unto you because you are a saboteur. Once I approve, do the needful. You can take a week to do due diligence. You don’t need to take 20 days,” he said.

The minister, who underscored the importance of rural road projects across the six area councils to the federal capital, said he would not allow anyone to stifle the development of rural communities in FCT.

According to him, any director who refused to act on files he had already approved would be labelled a saboteur.

“Once I grant approvals, the bureaucracy should be able to do its due diligence within seven days and ensure the release of funds,” he said.

Mr Wike assured rural dwellers that all the road projects would be completed before the end of 2024, including new projects that would soon be inaugurated.

Earlier, the chairman of Abaji Area Council, Abdullahi Abubakar, said the road project represented a key moment in the council’s progress and development.

Mr Abubakar said the road connecting Naharati, River Ukya, and Unguwan Hausawa was deliberately chosen because of its connectivity.

“When completed, it will decongest the by-pass, thus improving access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services for rural communities,” the chairman said.

So far, the FCT Minister has inaugurated the construction of five rural roads totalling 37.2 kilometres across five area councils.

The roads include an 11 km road in Kwali Area Council, a five km dual carriageway in Kuje, a nine km road in Gwagwalada, a 7.2 km road in Bwari and now a five km road in Abaji Area Council.