The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that approximately 85% of the estimated $470 million Greater Abuja Water Supply Project was financed by China, leaving the FCT Administration and the federal government responsible for the remaining 15%.
Originally awarded in March 2017, the project which includes the development of Loops 1, 2, 5, and 6 across key districts in the FCT—marks a major public–private infrastructure push. Wike said the Chinese contribution covered the bulk of funding, while local authorities provided capital to support the looping and secondary infrastructure work.
Despite the ambitious budget structure, the project has been delayed. Data from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) indicates that China’s Export-Import Bank has disbursed $178.6 million, while the federal government contribution stands at $36.8 million, suggesting a closer split of 81% and 19%, respectively.
Currently around halfway completed, its progress has been hindered by shortfalls in counterpart funding, causing periodic halts in Chinese fund releases .
Commissioned by President Bola Tinubu this week, the project aims to boost water supply capacity across numerous FCT districts, complement ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in satellite towns. Wike noted that a key engineering firm, China Geo‑Engineering Corporation, continues work on the pipelines, and recent agreements signed in China are intended to accelerate delivery, with expected commissioning later this year
