By Raymond Ken-Mbata
DEVELOPMENT
ABUJA – The Federal Capital Territory Administration has approved the renovation and upgrading of 14 general hospitals across the territory, alongside the resumption of work on the long-abandoned Utako General Hospital.
The decisions were among the resolutions of the 19th meeting of the FCT Executive Council, presided over by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, with the Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, also in attendance.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environmental Services, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the hospital intervention would include new medical equipment, diagnostic facilities and improvements to operating theatres.
She added that Wike had directed that construction work resume at the Utako General Hospital, with the project expected to cover the construction, equipping and staffing of the facility.
According to the administration, the measures are intended to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare for residents of Abuja and surrounding communities. Fasawe also said the administration had continued to meet its financial obligations to health insurance providers through premium and capitation payments.
Beyond healthcare, the council approved the digitalisation of approximately 67 courtrooms under the FCT High Court system. The initiative will introduce electronic recording and digital case-management processes to reduce reliance on handwritten records and physical files.
The Education Secretariat also secured approval for contracts covering examination materials for pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools. The administration said the provision would support the smooth conduct of examinations across the territory.
In the power sector, the council approved a ₦5.703 billion contract for a 33-kilovolt electricity supply line from Dawaki to Tukulo and neighbouring villages in Bwari Area Council. The project was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited, with an eight-month completion period.
The council also ratified two completed road projects in the satellite towns: the Gaba–Tukulo Road and river bridge in Bwari Area Council, valued at ₦8.219 billion, and the rehabilitation of the Paikon Kore–Ibuwa Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, valued at ₦8.890 billion.
Other approvals covered the procurement of vehicles and information technology infrastructure for the Department of Land Administration, improved security features for revenue receipts, maintenance of waterways and the supply of chemicals for water treatment.
The council also approved the construction of a divisional police station in the Wasa informal sector ahead of the planned relocation of mechanics and artisans from Apo. The project is expected to be completed within six months, according to the briefing.
The administration said the station forms part of a broader plan to improve security in developing communities across the FCT.
The resolutions cut across healthcare, education, justice, electricity, road infrastructure, water supply and public safety. Their impact will depend on timely implementation, adequate funding and effective monitoring of the approved projects.