• Commends Wike over Abuja roads

President Bola Tinubu yesterday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sutained investment in critical infrastructure across the country, describing road construction as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and national development.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President spoke during the commissioning of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) in Abuja, from Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II Junction.

Tinubu said the completion of the road project demonstrated the administration’s resolve to deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians through strategic infrastructure investments under the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising that infrastructure remains the backbone of economic prosperity and a vital tool for unlocking the potential of cities and communities.

“What we are doing here today goes far beyond laying asphalt or mixing concrete. We are paving the way for a brighter future,” he said.

“Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth. If you want to unlock the potential of a city, create jobs and make life easier for citizens, you build roads.”

The president recalled that the first phase of the project, which stretched from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I Junction, was commissioned in June 2024, while the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway was opened in 2025.

He stressed his administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects rather than abandoning them, saying, “We do not start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away. We finish what we started.”

Meanwhile, Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his focus, vision and commitment to transforming the nation’s capital through infrastructure development.

“The structural transformation we are witnessing in the Federal Capital Territory is a testament to what happens when you have focus, vision and dynamic leadership. I want to commend the Minister of the FCT and his team for their commitment and dogged determination in reshaping the FCT for long-term prosperity.”

Tinubu noted that the newly commissioned road would significantly ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time and fuel consumption, while opening up new areas for residential, commercial and industrial development.

He added that the road would strengthen connectivity between the Apo District and the Wasa axis, thereby expanding Abuja’s economic footprint and lowering the cost of doing business.

Earlier, Wike disclosed that the project was awarded to China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) in late 2025 and completed within eight months, in line with a promise made to deliver it before the president’s third anniversary in office.

The minister said he remained sceptical about the feasibility of completing the dual carriageway within the stipulated timeline because of the extensive engineering works involved, including bridges and culverts, but expressed satisfaction that the contractor fulfilled its commitment.

“I came to inspect this road not less than 10 times to ensure they kept the promise they made, and indeed they did. This shows that nothing is impossible when there is commitment and determination to achieve results,” he said.

Wike further attributed the successful delivery of the project to a strong working relationship between the government and contractors, as well as the administration’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations promptly.

He reiterated that the Tinubu administration had prioritised the completion of inherited projects across the FCT, noting that about 80 per cent of projects completed since 2023 were initiated by previous administrations.

The minister also revealed that infrastructure had been fully provided at the relocation site for traders and artisans currently operating at the Apo Mechanic Village, in fulfilment of promises made by the government to decongest the area and improve business conditions for operators in the informal sector.

For the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the commissioning of the OSEX carriageways was another landmark achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Praising President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructure development, the minister noted that the project would enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activities, ease transportation challenges and support the sustainable growth of the FCT.

Mahmoud also commended Wike for his leadership and dedication to delivering world-class infrastructure projects that are transforming Abuja and improving the quality of life of residents.