The Federal Capital Territory Administration has declared that the ongoing remodelling of the Abuja City Gate will redefine the capital’s entry point and serve as a new signature landmark for the city.
Speaking after an inspection of several projects across the city on Thursday, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the redesign was conceived to give Abuja a modern, symbolic identity that announces the city to visitors and residents the moment they arrive at the City Gate.
He hinted that the upgrade features a fountain installation representing all 36 states and the FCT, alongside expanded areas intended to host public activities and enhance the visual approach into the capital.
“Remodeling the City Gate that will be a true Abuja identity, that yes, you have arrived in the city. And I think that it will carry a lot of things from both parties. Activities will take on the air very well. There will be a water fountain that will flood the 36 states and the FCT and all kinds of activities. People can come, take pictures, or whatever it is, and that’s what really will change the landscape of this area.”
The minister also explained that the idea to remodel the City Gate was initiated by the First Lady, noting that the administration considered it necessary to rebuild the entrance corridor of the capital.
“This was initiated by the wife of Mr. President. She said to us that we can’t have the border of the city like that. So we thank her for that kind of vision. And by the grace of God, we are almost actualizing it for the inauguration during the third anniversary of this administration,” he said.
Wike arrived at the City Gate after inspecting several judiciary-related projects across the territory, including the new Court of Appeal complex at Daki Biyu, the FCT High Court judges’ quarters, and the magistrates’ quarters.
While he confirmed that most of the projects would be completed and handed over in May, he clarified that some high-level judicial residences would require additional time, with completion now slated for October.
On the Court of Appeal project, the minister said: “Of course, it’s almost at a very final stage now. And that will be handed over to us very much so by May this year. And we’re hoping that it will be part of the inauguration of the president in his third year anniversary.”
He said the judges’ quarters and magistrates’ quarters were on track to be delivered within the same period, adding that adjoining developments around the magistrates’ quarters would be reclaimed for security reasons. “We believe, by the grace of God, this will be handed over also by May ending this year,” he said.
However, Wike clarified that the high-level judicial residences including those for the Chief Judge of the FCT, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and the President of the Industrial Court, would be completed later in the year.
“Those ones will not be completed by May, but will be completed by October this year,” he stated.