Wike Vows Crackdown on Illegal Road Racing in Abuja

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed outrage about illegal racing on public roads and the threats such activity posed to public safety in the nation’s capital.

He issued the threat yesterday while addressing journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in the FCT.

The minister pledged swift administrative action to protect residents, saying

high-speed racing in residential neighborhoods on newly paved roads endangers innocent citizens and violates traffic regulations

“First of all, that goes to show how beautiful the roads are, but people often forget that certain activities pose a danger to innocent citizens. If people want to carry out car racing, there are designated areas where they should do that, not in residential areas. Nobody will allow that. I appeal to those involved to understand that rights have limitations, and life is more important,” Wike said.

He vowed to coordinate with traffic enforcement authorities to halt unauthorized racing in residential communities in the Abuja city centre.

The minister also revealed that the FCT Administration will complete and hand over eight to ten ongoing infrastructure projects across the capital city on schedule before January next year.

In relation to the Apo-Karshi road project, the minister noted that the critical artery originally awarded in 2010 was nearing completion with streetlights installations currently ongoing.

 He further explained that construction of the Bwari-Kubwa road was also advancing rapidly, with contractors expected to deliver the quality project before the onset of the next rainy season.

He expressed confidence that contractors will deliver the projects before the end of the year, promising timely funding to clear critical stages ahead of heavy rainfall.

“People have seen promises made and promises fulfilled, and we will not let them down. We believe by tomorrow (Tuesday) we will go out again to inspect other projects flagged off to see how far the contractors are going. About eight to ten projects which we agreed will be completed before January, so we will make sure that all these things are done.”