President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that the construction of the Southern Parkway service carriageways would reduce traffic congestion, improve movement across key districts and support the rapid growth of communities in Abuja’s southern corridor.
The assurance was given in Gaduwa District during the official launch of the project, where the President was represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
Tinubu described the Southern Parkway as one of the most important road corridors in the Abuja Master Plan, noting that it links several districts across the southern part of the capital city. He explained that the route serves as a major connection point within the Southern Development Corridor, stretching from the Inner Southern Expressway in Phase One to Phase Four districts of Abuja.
According to the President, the project is part of his administration’s commitment to expanding infrastructure and improving transportation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the main carriageway, which has already been completed and named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, was only part of the original plan, adding that the construction of the service roads would complete the corridor and provide easier access for residents and motorists.
Tinubu said the new service lanes would address daily traffic challenges experienced by residents of areas such as Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa and surrounding mass housing estates. He stated that the roads would shorten travel time, reduce transportation costs and improve access to homes, businesses and public facilities within the affected districts.
The President also pointed to other completed and ongoing projects across the FCT, including major roads and interchanges, as evidence of the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure and strengthen economic activities within the territory.
He praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for driving several development projects across Abuja, stating that the minister had revived abandoned projects and accelerated the delivery of critical infrastructure.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, as well as officials of the FCT Administration for their roles in supervising and implementing projects.
The President appealed to residents to remain patient during the construction period, acknowledging that temporary traffic disruptions and diversions may occur. He also urged the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, to deliver quality work within the agreed timeframe while creating employment opportunities and skills training for Nigerians.
Speaking at the event, Wike dismissed concerns that infrastructure projects in Abuja could slow down because of preparations for the 2027 elections. He maintained that the FCT Administration would continue carrying out projects without interruption, stressing that development activities would not be affected by political events.
The minister expressed confidence that Abuja would witness major changes before the end of Tinubu’s first term in office. He stated that ongoing projects across the city would reshape the capital and improve the living conditions of residents.
Wike revealed that he had held discussions with the management of CGC Nigeria Limited regarding the project timeline and received assurances that the company was prepared to work continuously to ensure timely completion. He pledged that the FCT Administration would meet its financial obligations to enable the contractor deliver the project as scheduled.
He further stated that the administration intends to complete and commission the Southern Parkway service roads before the next election cycle. According to him, the government remains determined to ensure that key infrastructure projects are completed and put into use within the planned timeframe.
The minister also issued a warning to individuals involved in illegal land occupation and unauthorised developments along the project corridor. He directed relevant departments within the FCT Administration to identify and remove structures built on lands that were not legally allocated, insisting that the Abuja Master Plan must be protected.
Providing details of the project, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Yunana Dauda, disclosed that the contract was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited in May 2026 and that work had already commenced.
Dauda explained that the project includes about three kilometres of dual service roads, two river bridges, drainage systems, culverts and street lighting facilities. He said the Southern Parkway serves as a key transportation route within the Southern Development Corridor and would strengthen links between the Central Area and several districts in Phase Four of the city.
According to him, the project is expected to reduce congestion currently experienced on major roads serving districts such as Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa and Duboyi. He added that the new service roads would improve traffic flow and make movement easier for commuters and businesses operating within the area.
In her remarks, the Acting Head of Service of the FCT Administration, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, thanked President Tinubu for approving the project and acknowledged the support of stakeholders involved in its implementation. She described the road project as an important step towards improving transportation, supporting economic activities and enhancing connectivity across the southern districts of Abuja.
The Southern Parkway service carriageways project is expected to open up more residential and commercial areas, improve access to developing communities and strengthen Abuja’s transportation network as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing urban development efforts.