President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commissioned the remodeled Abuja City Gate in Abuja, using the occasion to praise the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for leading major infrastructure projects across the nation’s capital. The event formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the 50th anniversary of the Federal Capital Territory.
The President, represented by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, said the upgraded City Gate reflects the government’s efforts to improve Abuja and present a capital city that matches Nigeria’s status. He described the monument as one of the country’s most recognised landmarks and said it now projects the image of a united nation. According to him, the redesigned structure, which includes a water fountain representing the 36 states and the FCT, welcomes visitors with a message of unity and shared purpose.
Tinubu said Abuja remains the country’s administrative and diplomatic centre, making the City Gate an important symbol for everyone entering the capital. He added that the ongoing construction of roads, improvement of public spaces and rehabilitation of infrastructure are changing the outlook of the city and making it more attractive.
The President praised Wike for driving the projects and said the visible changes across Abuja show the government’s commitment to improving public facilities. He also called on residents to protect public infrastructure, saying government investments belong to all Nigerians and should be preserved.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike said the decision to remodel the City Gate followed a directive from President Tinubu, who questioned why such an important national monument had remained unattractive for years. He explained that work on the project involved extensive engineering beneath the surface, making it more complex than it appeared.
The minister also revealed that heavy rainfall threatened the commissioning ceremony, but the administration decided to go ahead with the event. He said the completed project, including its lighting and water fountain, would leave a lasting impression on visitors arriving in Abuja.
Wike noted that the rehabilitation forms part of broader efforts to improve the appearance of the Federal Capital Territory through new roads, restored public spaces and other infrastructure projects. He said the administration remains committed to making Abuja a capital city that reflects Nigeria’s position and aspirations.
Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, also described the remodeled City Gate as another sign of the transformation taking place in Abuja. She credited President Tinubu for providing the vision behind the projects and commended Wike for overseeing the rehabilitation and completion of key infrastructure across the territory.
Mahmoud said the upgraded monument marks another step in restoring Abuja’s master plan and strengthening its image as a modern capital city. She also thanked the First Lady for attending the event and supporting programmes aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.