President Bola Tinubu yesterday declared his administration’s determination to transform the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a modern capital city that reflects Nigeria’s growing population, economic aspirations and national identity, while sustaining an aggressive infrastructure development drive across Abuja.

The president spoke during the commissioning of the completed Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), linking Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in the Dape District.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said infrastructure remains a critical measure of governance and national development, stressing that strategic investments in roads and connectivity would boost economic activity, reduce logistics costs and stimulate job creation.

He said Abuja must evolve into a capital city befitting Nigeria’s status and future ambitions, adding: “We will never rest until we have made the Federal Capital Territory not only a functional seat of government but a capital worthy of our federation, our growing population and the dreams that brought Abuja into being.”

According to him, the administration has maintained uninterrupted momentum in the construction and rehabilitation of inherited road projects, ending what he described as the longstanding culture of abandoned public infrastructure.

“There has been no break, no pause and no retreat in the construction and rehabilitation of the roads we inherited,” he said. “That is why we have ended the tradition of abandoned projects and restored faith in the power of government to finish what it starts.”

Tinubu described infrastructure as the foundation upon which national ambition is built, noting that no modern capital city can thrive when critical transport corridors are neglected. He insisted: “Infrastructure is the measure by which every civilised nation announces its seriousness. No capital can carry the weight of national ambition if its arteries are blocked by neglect, excuses and abandoned promises.”

The president further stated that the newly completed road was conceived, funded and executed under the current administration after it was awarded to Julius Berger in October 2024 with a 15-month completion timeline.

Noting that the successful delivery of the project signalled a departure from an era when major public works remained trapped in prolonged budget cycles and delays, Tinubu stated that “in the past, projects like this became permanent budget items with 10 or 15 years of excuses. Under this administration, that era is over.”

Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for driving infrastructure development across Abuja and ensuring the delivery of key projects. According to him, the minister has shown what happens when political will meets accountability.

Describing the N5 corridor as more than a road, the president said the project would ease traffic congestion, improve mobility and unlock economic opportunities across several districts of the capital city, while providing seamless connectivity among Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado, Idu and Mbora communities, and improving access to the Idu Industrial District.

However, Tinubu urged residents and businesses to meet their tax obligations and safeguard public assets from vandalism, stressing that the sustainability of infrastructure depends on collective responsibility.

Earlier, the FCT Minister, Wike, praised Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development in both Abuja city centre and satellite communities, describing ongoing projects across the territory as visible evidence of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Also, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, commended the president’s support for critical infrastructure projects, while the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the completion of the road would significantly improve connectivity and transportation within the territory.