The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has signed two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Chinese construction firms to improve lighting in Abuja and enhance rural water supply in the FCT.
The agreements were signed with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group (CGCOC).
The signing took place during Minister Wike’s visit to Beijing, China, for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, alongside President Bola Tinubu.
The news was made public in a statement issued on Sunday by Anthony Ogunleye, the Director of Press in the Office of the FCT Minister.
The MoUs mark a major push towards infrastructural development as the FCT prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Minister Wike highlighted the importance of these projects as part of President Tinubu’s broader vision for the FCT, stating, “One key project that is very dear to us is the lighting up of Abuja. As Abuja will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, we envision it to be a jubilee year. We want Abuja to shine like other global cities, similar to the lighting we have seen in Beijing.”
The agreements detail that CCECC will focus on illuminating major districts, including Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, the Central Business District, Airport Road, and Bill Clinton Drive. On the other hand, CGCOC will handle lighting projects in Mabushi, Katampe, and Garki districts.
In addition to the lighting project, the Minister addressed ongoing efforts to improve water supply. Wike noted that the Greater Abuja Water Works project, being carried out by CGCOC, is already 75 percent complete and is expected to be finalized by December.
The Minister also announced plans to extend water supply to rural areas, including Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Kuje, through a new agreement with CGCOC.
Wike stressed the importance of addressing both urban and rural needs in line with the President’s directive, noting that the new water supply initiatives will ensure that residents in rural communities are not left behind.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr. Chen Sichang, President of CCECC, and Mr. Lan Meizhong, Chairman of CGCOC, expressed their commitment to delivering high-quality work on the projects within the agreed timelines. They also thanked the Nigerian government for the trust placed in their companies.
The signing of these MoUs is a key outcome of the FOCAC Summit, which aims to foster stronger cooperation between African nations and China.