President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday commissioned the first phase of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway in the Federal Capital Territory, saying the project has ended years of hardship faced by residents and road users along the route.
The event took place in Kuje Area Council, where the President described the newly completed seven-kilometre road as a major step toward improving transportation, security and economic activities in Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and nearby communities.
Tinubu said the road had for many years posed serious challenges to residents, farmers, traders, students and other commuters. According to him, poor road conditions led to delays in movement, affected business activities and created opportunities for criminal activities in the area.
He explained that the project, which includes solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and drainage systems, would improve safety and make movement easier for residents. He added that the road serves as an important link between Abuja and several area councils while also providing access to parts of southern Nigeria.
The President stated that the road would support agricultural activities by making it easier for farmers to transport their produce to markets. He also noted that the project would encourage residential development and improve access to communities within the corridor.
Tinubu said the completion of the road reflects his administration’s commitment to extending development beyond the city centre of Abuja. He assured residents of satellite towns and area councils that the government would continue to provide infrastructure and public services aimed at improving their living conditions.
He urged residents to protect public facilities by avoiding acts that could damage government property. He also called on citizens to meet their civic responsibilities and support efforts to sustain development across the territory.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for carrying out projects in communities that had previously received little attention. He said the minister had continued to expand development to various parts of the FCT in line with the goals of the administration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike said the project was initiated after consultations with residents, traditional rulers and stakeholders across the six area councils shortly after the current administration assumed office.
According to him, insecurity and poor road infrastructure were among the major concerns raised during those engagements. He recalled that residents repeatedly requested government intervention on the Kuje-Gwagwalada road because of its poor condition.
The minister said he personally inspected the road and discovered that travelling through the route was extremely difficult. He explained that the condition of the road convinced the administration to prioritise its reconstruction.
Wike disclosed that the Federal Executive Council approved the project in early 2025 and awarded the contract to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited. He expressed satisfaction with the completion of the first phase and revealed that the contractor had assured the government that the second phase would be delivered by December 2026.
He noted that the road would improve interaction between residents of Kuje and Gwagwalada, support business activities and make it easier for farmers to transport their goods.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and living conditions across the territory. She praised the FCT administration for pursuing projects aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department, Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the project was awarded on February 28, 2025. He explained that the road consists of a dual carriageway with two lanes on each side, a three-span bridge, drainage facilities and solar-powered streetlights.
Zulkiflu said the project would improve access to farming communities, reduce travel time and support economic activities within Kuje, Gwagwalada and surrounding areas.
He added that the second phase, which covers the remaining six kilometres of the road corridor, is expected to be completed by December 2026.