Wike Seeks Federal Funding to Complete ₦400bn Abuja Millennium Tower Project
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says the long-delayed Abuja Millennium Tower can only be completed if it is funded as a national project because the cost is now estimated at more than ₦400 billion.
Speaking after inspecting several infrastructure projects across Abuja on Thursday, Wike said the amount required is far beyond what the FCT Administration can finance from its regular budget.
He revealed that discussions are ongoing with President Bola Tinubu to classify the Millennium Tower as a strategic national project and a major tourist attraction that should receive direct federal funding.
According to the minister, attempting to finance the project solely through the FCT budget would stall many other ongoing developments across the capital.
“The contractor is talking about not less than ₦400 billion. If we undertake that project alone, every other project in Abuja will suffer. That is why we are discussing with the President to make it a national project,” Wike said.
During the inspection, the minister visited several major road projects, including the extension of Collector Road CO1, which links Nile University, Baze University, research institutions and other parts of the capital, as well as the Arterial Road N1 project connecting Wuye District to Ring Road II.
He said the projects are designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity and support Abuja’s transformation into a world-class capital city.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of work, particularly on the Collector Road project.
He also disclosed that the Arterial Road N1 project, being handled by Arab Contractors, remains on schedule and is expected to be completed and handed over before the end of December.
According to him, contractors have continued to deliver because they trust the government to honour its financial obligations, even when payments are delayed.
He said that confidence has helped keep projects on track and expressed optimism that all road projects scheduled for completion this year would be delivered on time.
The minister added that the FCT Administration is simultaneously completing long-abandoned projects inherited from previous administrations while launching new ones under President Tinubu’s government.
He appealed to residents to remain patient and urged the media to continue highlighting the visible improvements taking place across the Federal Capital Territory.
