By Abbas Nazil
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commenced a series of official engagements in China aimed at addressing the long-standing water supply challenges in the satellite towns of the FCT.
This development marks a strategic move by the Nigerian government to improve basic infrastructure in areas that have suffered years of neglect, particularly in Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje Area Councils.
The minister’s visit to China was made public through a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
According to the statement, Wike has already met with top officials of the CP Group, a major Chinese conglomerate, as part of efforts to secure meaningful partnerships that will lead to the provision of potable water in underserved areas of the FCT.
Olayinka noted that the meetings in China are part of the minister’s broader commitment to fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to bring critical infrastructure to satellite towns within the capital territory.
During his visit, Wike is also expected to engage with executives from the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction (CGCOC) Group, a prominent player in global construction and infrastructure development.
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The meetings with CP Group and CGCOC are designed to translate previous Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) into actionable contracts and on-ground projects.
These MoUs were originally signed during President Tinubu’s diplomatic trip to China in September 2023, when agreements were reached with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and CGCOC to enhance water and electricity supply in the FCT.
The renewed diplomatic and infrastructural ties with China are anchored on Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which seeks to rebuild public trust through visible, impactful development projects.
In line with this vision, the President earlier approved the sum of N50 billion for the execution of water supply projects in satellite towns across the territory.
The approval underscores the federal government’s commitment to equitable development and improved quality of life for residents outside the Abuja city center.
Wike’s mission to China represents a continuation of this commitment, as he seeks to convert policy directives into tangible results.
The minister’s engagements are expected to yield agreements that will initiate water infrastructure projects capable of transforming the living conditions of thousands of residents who currently lack access to clean and reliable water sources.
As these high-level discussions unfold, stakeholders remain hopeful that the minister’s efforts will bridge the water infrastructure gap that has long hindered development in the FCT’s satellite communities.
