Tinubu Flags Off Tungan Madaki-Zuba Road, Expands FCT Development

President Bola Tinubu on Monday launched the construction of the access road linking Tungan Madaki to the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway through Zuba as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure and connect satellite communities to the Federal Capital Territory.

The President, represented at the event by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, said the project forms part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to extend infrastructure development beyond Abuja city centre to surrounding communities.

He said the road is expected to improve transportation, support business activities, increase investment opportunities and strengthen links between rural communities and the capital. According to him, the project continues the road network that began with the Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki road, which was recently inaugurated during activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.

Tinubu said expanding the road network would improve access for residents, especially farmers, traders and students who have faced years of poor road conditions that affected movement, increased transport costs and limited economic activities.

He explained that the new road would provide a direct connection to the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, shorten travel time, reduce vehicle operating costs and make it easier for goods and services to move between communities. He added that better road access would also support farming by making it easier to transport agricultural produce to markets.

The President said road construction remains a major part of his administration’s economic plans because improved infrastructure creates opportunities for business growth, improves security and supports social development. He added that the project would reduce traffic pressure within Abuja, provide alternative routes for commuters and strengthen economic activities along the corridor linking the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna and other parts of the North-West.

Tinubu also said better infrastructure in the area would encourage more investments in housing, healthcare, education and industrial development. He praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for driving infrastructure projects across the territory and noted that the administration is giving priority to completing projects rather than leaving them unfinished.

He directed the contractor handling the project to maintain high construction standards, complete the work within schedule and employ local residents where possible to create jobs for young people in the community.

Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said the project followed the President’s directive that satellite towns and area councils should be connected to the city with modern roads. He explained that the project became necessary after the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council requested a direct road linking Zuba with Abuja to reduce travel challenges for residents.

According to Wike, the completed road will provide easier access from Zuba and nearby communities to Abuja and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport without passing through Gwagwalada. He described the project as another step towards opening up rural communities and improving living conditions for residents.

The minister expressed confidence that China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, the contractor handling the project, would complete the road before the end of the year.

Speaking during the vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the road project reflects the administration’s determination to expand infrastructure and economic opportunities to communities that have received limited attention in the past.

She said the road would improve movement, support commercial activities, attract investment and improve the standard of living in Tungan Madaki, Zuba and neighbouring communities. Mahmoud also thanked President Tinubu for providing the leadership that has driven ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.