FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Esq, has approved the immediate rehabilitation, renovation and upgrade of all 14 general hospitals across the Federal Capital Territory, with modern medical equipment, improved diagnostic facilities and upgraded theatre infrastructure.
The Minister also ordered the return of contractors to the long-abandoned Utako General Hospital, as part of measures to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to quality medical services for residents of the nation’s capital.
The decisions were reached during the 19th meeting of the FCT Executive Council, chaired by Wike and attended by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Hon. Chidi Amadi, disclosed that the council considered 20 memoranda submitted by various secretariats, departments and agencies.
Amadi said the approvals were aimed at accelerating infrastructure development and improving public service delivery within the FCT.
Providing details of the health-related resolutions, Mandate Secretary of the Health and Environmental Services Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, said the council approved the immediate commencement of comprehensive renovation and upgrading of all general hospitals in the territory.
She explained that the intervention would include the procurement of new medical equipment such as X-ray machines and diagnostic tools, alongside the modernisation of hospital theatres.
Fasawe added that Wike had directed the commencement of work at Utako General Hospital, which has remained abandoned for several years.
She said the project would cover completion of construction works, installation of equipment and recruitment of necessary medical personnel.
According to her, the initiative would improve the availability of affordable, accessible and quality healthcare services for FCT residents.
She further disclosed that the administration had continued to honour its financial commitments to health insurance providers and Health Maintenance Organisations through payment of premiums and capitation.
The council also approved the digital transformation of the FCT High Court, covering about 67 courtrooms across its various judicial divisions.
FCT General Counsel, Mr Salman Dako, said the project would introduce electronic recording systems and digital case-management platforms to replace manual documentation and physical filing.
He noted that the initiative would eliminate challenges associated with handwritten records and improve efficiency in court operations.
Dako said implementation would begin immediately, with noticeable improvements expected within two weeks.
The Education Secretariat also secured approval for two contracts to provide examination materials for pupils and students in primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools across the territory.
Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, said the approval was part of the administration’s broader effort to transform public schools through renovation, rehabilitation, improved classrooms and provision of learning materials.
Hayyo stated that the improvements recorded in public schools had encouraged some parents to move their children from private institutions to government-owned schools.
He added that the supply of examination materials would ensure seamless conduct of examinations across FCT public schools.
The Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) received approval for a N5.703 billion contract for the construction of a 33KVA power supply line from Dawaki to Tukulo and neighbouring villages in Bwari Area Council.
STDD Coordinator, Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the contract was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited and would be completed within eight months.
The council also ratified two previously completed and commissioned road projects in satellite communities.
The projects include the Gaba-Tukulo Road and two-span river bridge in Bwari Area Council, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited at N8.219 billion, inclusive of 7.5 per cent VAT.
The second project is the rehabilitation of the Paikon Kore-Ibuwa Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, also executed by Setraco Nigeria Limited at a cost of N8.890 billion, inclusive of VAT.
Zulkiflu said both projects were delivered within their 12-month completion period and had already been commissioned.
The Department of Land Administration secured approval for three memoranda aimed at improving efficiency and boosting revenue collection.
Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said the council approved the procurement of utility vehicles and an integrated ICT system with modern accessories for the department.
The technology upgrade covers desktop computers, workstations, display screens, scanners, network switches, fibre-optic connectivity, data-centre servers, monitoring systems and cooling facilities.
The council also approved the printing of customised land revenue receipt booklets with advanced security features to prevent manipulation and fraudulent activities.
The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, responsible for producing Nigeria’s currency, will handle the printing of the new receipts.
The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) secured approval for six memoranda, including five ratifications and one fresh approval.
AMMC Overseeing Coordinator, Mrs Mary Amina Ahmadu, said the decisions would support maintenance activities across the city, especially waterways and locations affected by environmental challenges.
She blamed indiscriminate waste disposal for blocked drainage channels and flooding in some areas of the FCT, stressing the need for sustained environmental management.
The FCT Water Board also received approval for two memoranda, including the supply of powdered chlorine, known as High-Test Hypochlorite (HTH), for water treatment.
Acting General Manager of the Water Board, Mrs Chinyere Elechi, explained that the chemical is essential for disinfecting water and removing harmful microorganisms before distribution to consumers.
She said effective water treatment was necessary to prevent diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery.
The council also approved the renewal of insurance coverage for facilities connected to the Lower Usman Dam Treatment Plant.
Meanwhile, the FCTA Security Services Department secured approval for the construction of a new Divisional Police Station at the Wasa Informal Sector ahead of the planned relocation of Apo mechanics and artisans to the area.
Director of Security Services, Adamu Gwary, said the contract, approved during Tuesday’s council meeting, has a six-month completion timeline.
Gwary explained that the project followed Wike’s directive to provide adequate security for the sector and surrounding communities as commercial activities increase.
He said the Wasa police station forms part of the Minister’s wider security strategy aimed at taking policing closer to rural and developing communities across the FCT.
According to him, the administration plans to establish two divisional police stations in each of the six area councils.
He disclosed that police stations at Ushafa and Saburi had already been completed, equipped and handed over, with each facility having furnished six-man staff quarters.
The 19th FCT Executive Council meeting produced approvals covering healthcare, education, justice, land administration, electricity, environmental management, security and water supply, as the Wike-led administration continues its drive to improve infrastructure and public services across the Federal Capital Territory.
