Federal Capital Territory Minister Bala Mohammed says the Administration has accessed about N500 billion investment so far for the development of infrastructure in the city and is set to access more in the years ahead.
This is contained in a statement by the Minister’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Mohammed Sule, in Abuja on Sunday.
The statement said that the minister disclosed this when the Chairman of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Sen. Ken Nnamani, paid him a visit.
It said that the FCTA had the potential to access huge fund for investment from the PPP apart from the budgetary allocation for the provision of more infrastructure in the city.
The statement said the FCT Administration had established the Abuja Infrastructure and Investment Centre (AIIC), a similar body to the ICRC, to achieve its dream of transforming the territory into a modern city.
It commended the commission for the assistance being rendered to the FCTA, especially in the area of capacity building.
“Out of the budgetary allocation from the Federal Government, we are only accessing about N30 billion, but through you and other private initiatives, we are accessing investments of about half a trillion naira.
“The synergy exists because of your pro-activeness and dynamism as an organisation that has a lot of focus on professionalism, that has been opening new frontiers.”
The statement further solicited the assistance of the commission in getting more genuine investors for the Abuja Mono-Rail project, which was another component of the rail transportation development in the territory.
“Investors are also required for other Lots of the Abuja Light Rail project, we are currently working on only Lots 1A and 3; while the remaining 4 Lots are there and of course, conceptual design has been done.
“We have not even done the outline business scale because we require you (ICRC) to assist us.”
It said that the administration had identified some new roads where investors could seek genuine collaboration and partnership.
According to the statement, the roads include 105 and 106, Karshi-Apo- Gwagwalada (55 Kilometers) and Dutse Alhaji-Kuje-Gwargwada (73 Kilometers).
“That will give us some lead way so that the city will have some reticulation that will be similar to what they have in the United Kingdom.
“The end roads and the roads inter playing and making the city free from unnecessary traffic congestion so that those coming from outside do not have to come to the city,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the statement quoted Nnamani as saying that the FCTA is one of the first government agencies to table a workable Public, Private Partnership on infrastructure development at the Federal Executive Council.
It said that Nnamani also applauded the harmonious relationship existing between the FCTs and ICRC, adding: “We have many Ministers but I am particularly impressed with what you have done.
“The Katamkpe District Infrastructure project is as important to Minister as it is to the ICRC and I think it is your first project under the Public, Private Partnership arrangement.’’
