Wike Signs MoU with Chinese Firms to Boost Electricity, Water Supply

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese corporations aimed at enhancing electricity and water supply across the FCT.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Anthony Ogunleye, the spokesperson for the Minister’s Office, in Abuja on Sunday. According to the statement, the MoU was signed in Beijing, China, on Saturday with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group.

The agreement took place on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China, where he attended the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. The projects are part of President Tinubu’s broader agenda to improve the quality of life for Abuja residents through impactful infrastructure initiatives.

Wike expressed confidence that the projects would be completed by 2025 and commissioned as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the FCT.

Plans to Transform Abuja’s Electricity Supply

Speaking on the electricity project, Wike emphasized the need for Abuja to mirror other world-class cities in terms of infrastructure. “We want Abuja to be like what we see in Beijing—well-lit and vibrant. We’ve observed the infrastructure here, and that’s the direction we are taking,” he stated.

The agreement outlines that CCECC will be responsible for upgrading electricity in key areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, the Central Business District, and the Airport Road up to Bill Clinton Drive. Meanwhile, the CGCOC Group will handle electrical upgrades in districts like Mabushi, Katampe, and Garki.

Water Supply for Satellite Towns

Wike also stressed the importance of extending water supply to Abuja’s satellite areas, as directed by President Tinubu. The project will focus on improving water infrastructure in Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje.

“We have signed the MoU with CGCOC Group to ensure water supply to these areas becomes a reality,” Wike said. He noted that the Greater Abuja Water Works, managed by the CGCOC Group, is already 75% complete, with full completion expected by December 2024.

Appreciation and Commitment

Wike expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and urged the Chinese companies to prioritize speedy completion of the projects. He emphasized that timely delivery would greatly enhance the quality of life in Abuja’s satellite towns.

In response, Chen Sichang, President of CCECC, and Lan Meizhong, Chairman of CGCOC Group, thanked Wike for entrusting them with the projects and pledged to deliver on their commitments.

The projects aim to significantly improve living conditions in the capital and its surrounding areas, providing residents with reliable access to electricity and clean water.