President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for expanding infrastructure development across Abuja, saying residents in every district are beginning to enjoy the benefits of government projects.
The President made the remarks during the inauguration of the completed Akinwumi Ajibola Street, including Important Local Streets 16, 18 and 19, in Gaduwa District, Abuja. He was represented at the event by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu said the completion of the road reflects his administration’s commitment to delivering projects that directly improve the daily lives of Nigerians. He stated that the project has restored access to an area where many residents had built homes but struggled for years because there was no proper road leading to their properties.
According to him, the situation became worse during the rainy season when movement was almost impossible.
The President said his administration is focused on completing projects that matter to the people rather than leaving them abandoned.
He noted that the finished road would improve transportation, reduce travel time, make the area safer through the installation of streetlights and drainage systems, and increase the value of properties within the district.
Tinubu also praised Wike for changing the pace of project execution in the FCT. He said the minister reviewed neglected projects, returned contractors to construction sites, ensured adequate funding and insisted on meeting project deadlines. He added that development is no longer limited to Abuja city centre, as satellite towns and other districts are now receiving attention.
He urged residents of Gaduwa to protect the newly completed infrastructure by preventing vandalism and keeping drainage channels free from waste. He added that the Federal Government would continue extending infrastructure projects to different parts of the territory to improve living conditions for residents.
Speaking at the event, Wike said the inauguration was the 16th project commissioned under the FCT Administration’s ongoing 31-day project commissioning programme organised to mark President Tinubu’s third year in office.
He explained that shortly after assuming office, the President directed that every district in the Federal Capital Territory should benefit from government projects regardless of its location.
According to the minister, several districts, including Jahi, Gwarimpa, Katampe, Guzape, Kwali and Gaduwa, have received completed projects under the current administration. He said the speed of execution was made possible by the cooperation between the Executive and the National Assembly, which ensured quick approval and release of project funds.
Wike also warned the Abuja Municipal Area Council against assigning names to roads constructed by the Federal Government without obtaining the necessary approval. He maintained that roads built with federal funds should not be renamed or used for revenue generation without following due process.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the road project as another step in improving infrastructure across Abuja. She said the completed road would support transportation, encourage economic activities and improve the standard of living for residents.
Mahmoud also appreciated President Tinubu, Wike, the National Assembly, contractors, consultants, traditional rulers, security agencies and members of the Gaduwa community for their roles in delivering the project. She assured residents that the FCT Administration would continue executing similar projects across the territory.