President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday commissioned the newly completed Federal Highway 105, a major road linking the Airport Expressway to Kuje Township in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The project was inaugurated during a ceremony attended by government officials, community leaders and residents.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said the completion of the road reflects his administration’s commitment to addressing inherited challenges and delivering projects that directly impact citizens.
The road, which is a six-lane dual carriageway, was originally awarded in 2022 but was left unfinished before the current administration stepped in to revive and complete it. According to the President, the project had become a source of hardship for residents and businesses due to traffic congestion, flooding during the rainy season and dusty conditions during the dry season.
Tinubu said his administration took deliberate steps to ensure the project was completed after years of delays. He explained that government provided the political backing, resolved obstacles and paid the necessary compensation to affected persons to allow construction work to continue without interruption.
The President stated that the road is more than just an infrastructure project, adding that it forms part of the broader effort to ensure development reaches all parts of the country, including communities outside major city centres. He noted that the benefits of governance should be felt by residents in every area, including Kuje and other satellite towns within the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that the completed highway would reduce travel time, improve movement within the area and support economic activities. Farmers, traders and business owners are expected to benefit from easier access to markets and other commercial centres. The President also said the road would help reduce pressure on Abuja city centre by encouraging growth in surrounding communities.
According to him, improved infrastructure in satellite towns would attract private investment, increase economic activities and support the development of new residential and commercial areas. He added that easier transportation would lower the burden on commuters and improve daily life for residents.
Tinubu also urged residents, business owners and property developers to meet their obligations by paying taxes, ground rents and other approved charges. He said government revenue plays a key role in funding public projects and ensuring the continuation of infrastructure development across the country.
The President further appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders and youths in Kuje to safeguard the newly completed road and other public facilities. He warned against vandalism and misuse of public infrastructure, stressing that proper maintenance would allow future generations to benefit from the investment.
Speaking at the event, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, described the Airport-Kuje Road as one of the most difficult projects undertaken by the administration. He explained that shortly after assuming office, consultations were held with leaders across the six area councils, during which the poor condition of the road was repeatedly raised as a major concern.
Wike revealed that the project had stalled despite being awarded in February 2022 at a cost of over N54 billion. He said there was no contractor working on the site when the current administration took over, making the completion of the road a major challenge.
According to the minister, the road had become dangerous for residents, with criminal activities and security concerns affecting those who used the route. He noted that the completion of the project has changed the situation and improved safety along the corridor.
Wike praised the construction company, Arab Contractors, for delivering the project despite the challenges encountered during execution. He also commended President Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development in satellite towns and ensuring that residents outside the city centre benefit from government projects.
The minister disclosed that another major road project, the Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway, is nearing completion and is expected to be commissioned in July. He said ongoing investments in satellite communities are helping to reshape development within the Federal Capital Territory.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another achievement under the administration’s development programme. She said the road would improve transportation, support economic growth and improve living conditions for residents.
Mahmoud commended the efforts of the FCT administration in delivering infrastructure projects and called on residents to continue supporting government programmes aimed at improving mobility and economic activities across Abuja.
The commissioning of the Airport-Kuje Road formed part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office. Several infrastructure projects are currently being inaugurated across the Federal Capital Territory as part of the anniversary celebrations.