Residents of Tungan Madaki community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed joy after the completion of a new access road linking their area to other parts of Abuja. The development followed the construction of a seven-kilometre road from Airport Road, also known as Bill Clinton Drive, into the community.
The road was provided under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and has opened up the rural settlement, making movement easier for farmers, students and other residents who previously faced serious transport challenges.
Community leaders and neighbouring residents said the project has ended years of isolation and hardship, adding that it is the first time they are experiencing such level of government presence in the area. They said the road has restored access to markets and schools that were previously difficult to reach, especially during the rainy season.
The District Head of Tungan Madaki, Malam Muhammad Haruna, said the road has brought relief to the people after years of poor infrastructure that affected farming and education. He noted that farmers previously struggled to move their goods due to bad roads and seasonal flooding, which often led to losses and reduced income.
He also explained that students from surrounding communities were often unable to attend school during the rainy season because a collapsed bridge and flooded paths made movement unsafe. With the new road, he said regular school attendance has now been restored.
Haruna added that the improved road network will reduce transport costs, cut post-harvest losses, and improve income for farmers in the community.
He, however, called on authorities to also provide portable drinking water and protect farmlands to further improve living conditions.
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, said the project is part of ongoing efforts to connect rural communities with urban centres through infrastructure development. He explained that the road also includes a four-span bridge and will link about nine communities before ending at Zuba Road.