Reps Panel Questions Engineering Designs of FCT Road Projects
The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils and Ancillary Matters has voiced serious concerns over the engineering designs of several road intervention projects initiated by the FCT Administration.
During an oversight visit on Thursday to the 15-kilometre A2-Pai road and the 11-kilometre Yangoji-Sukuku road, both located in the Kwali Area Council, the committee—chaired by Hon. Frederick Agbedi—highlighted issues related to project planning and implementation.
The projects are being undertaken by the Satellite Towns Development Department of the FCTA as part of emergency development efforts across Area Councils.
Briefing the lawmakers, Resident Engineer Ibrahim Kangiwa explained that the A2-Pai road design was a collaborative effort between the department’s engineers and those from the contracting firm, ZEBERCED Construction Limited. He added that the project, which has a total estimated cost of ₦30 billion, includes solar-powered street lighting and comes with a one-year maintenance clause, after which the Area Councils are expected to assume responsibility.
Despite the explanations, the committee demanded that full documentation of the road designs be submitted to its secretariat by the following Monday, saying verbal assurances were insufficient.
Lawmakers also questioned the safety and feasibility of installing street lights along large stretches of unoccupied land, raising concerns about vandalism and maintenance.
Speaking to the press after the site inspections, Hon. Agbedi acknowledged progress made but stressed the need for greater transparency and thoroughness in the design and budgeting process.
“We noticed areas where improvements could be made—particularly in terms of cost estimation, design clarity, and the alignment of appropriations,” he said. “We plan to engage directly with the FCT Minister to address these concerns.”
Agbedi emphasized the importance of comprehensive project planning to ensure proper execution and value for public funds.
“Without detailed project designs, it’s difficult to accurately assess a contractor’s level of completion. These are the kinds of lapses we aim to correct through closer collaboration with the FCT Ministry and its agencies to better serve the people of the territory,” he added.