Wike Commissions Dunamis Pedestrian Bridge, Pledges 50% Refund

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday commissioned a pedestrian overhead bridge built by Dunamis International Gospel Centre across the busy Airport Road in Abuja, near the church’s headquarters, the Glory Dome, and announced that the FCT Administration would reimburse 50 per cent of the project’s cost.

Senior Pastors Dr Paul Enenche and Dr Becky Enenche led the commissioning ceremony on October 30, 2026. They were joined by Wike and other top government officials, including Benue State Deputy Governor Sam Ode, as well as representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The bridge, fully funded by the church as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), spans the multi-lane Airport Expressway corridor. Construction began on June 22 and was completed within about four months by Dutum Construction Company Ltd., an indigenous firm. The contractor described it as one of the fastest projects it has delivered.

Wike praised the church for the initiative, calling it an exemplary demonstration of CSR and true leadership. He noted that the church first applied for approval in 2018 but only received it after renewing the request in February 2026; the permit was granted within a month under the current administration. “Government cannot do everything,” Wike said, stressing the need for private organisations and religious bodies to complement public efforts in providing infrastructure and improving safety.

He directed the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority to work with the church to determine the exact cost so the 50 per cent reimbursement could be processed. Wike also approved the church’s request to upgrade the bridge with a protective canopy (transparent cladding) and lighting to improve aesthetics, weather protection and encourage greater usage. He indicated government support for a share of those additional costs as well.

Pastor Enenche explained that the project was driven by love for God and humanity and concern over frequent fatal accidents involving pedestrians on the high-speed corridor. “God is love. To be a messenger of God means to be a messenger of love. Love is about what we give, not what we get,” he said. He added that the church’s impact mattered more than its income and listed earlier interventions, including roads in Mararaba, Karu and Kubwa, boreholes in Borno and support for IDPs and flood victims.

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FRSC officials at the event said the bridge would help reduce pedestrian accidents along the route. Wike urged residents to use the facility rather than risk their lives crossing the expressway and warned against resistance when safety measures are enforced.

The project underscores growing collaboration between faith-based organisations and government in addressing public safety and infrastructure gaps in the capital.