President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that despite the challenges associated with ongoing economic and governance reforms, his administration remains committed to laying a solid foundation for sustainable national development.
The President gave the assurance yesterday when he flagged off the construction of the Southern Parkway Service Carriageways from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) to Ring Road II and the Collector Road CO1 linking the Nile University axis to Ring Road III in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Represented by the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu said the visible transformation across the country was evidence that the sacrifices associated with the reforms were yielding results.
He said the administration has, within three years, recorded significant progress in infrastructure development through investments in roads, bridges, rail transportation and housing projects aimed at building a more prosperous Nigeria.
“Three years into this administration, the results are visible. Through roads, bridges, rail and housing projects, we are building a new Nigeria that works for all,” the President stated.
He explained that the Southern Parkway project is part of the administration’s broader infrastructure agenda, designed to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate socio-economic growth within Abuja and its adjoining districts.
Tinubu described the Southern Parkway as a strategic component of the Southern Development Corridor captured in the Abuja Master Plan, noting that it stretches from the Inner Southern Expressway in Phase I to Phase IV, providing critical inter-district connectivity across the capital city.
He recalled that the main carriageway, named Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, had already been completed and commissioned by the administration, adding that the construction of the service lanes would complete the corridor and enhance access for residents and businesses.
The President said the project would bring much-needed relief to residents of Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa and neighbouring communities who currently face severe traffic congestion along Abdulsalami Abubakar Way and Oladipo Diya Way, especially during peak hours.
“When these service carriageways are completed, traffic flow will improve, travel time will reduce, businesses will save costs, and families will spend less time in traffic. That is the dividend of democracy and the Renewed Hope Agenda in action,” he said.
Tinubu noted that the project was among several infrastructure interventions being implemented by the administration in the FCT.
He cited completed and ongoing projects such as the Arterial Road N20, renamed Professor Wole Soyinka Way, the N16 Interchange linking Jahi and Gwarimpa, and road projects in Kuje, Gwagwalada and Mabushi.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to delivering impactful projects across Abuja.
Describing Wike as “Mr Projects,” Tinubu said the Minister had demonstrated strong leadership by reviving abandoned projects, setting clear targets and ensuring the timely delivery of critical infrastructure.
“You have brought discipline, vision and political will to the FCT. Nigerians are seeing the transformation and feeling the impact of your work across Abuja,” he said.
He also praised the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, and the entire FCT Administration for maintaining quality standards and ensuring effective project supervision.
The President appealed to residents of communities affected by the construction to cooperate with contractors and traffic officials, noting that temporary inconveniences, such as traffic diversions, dust, and noise, were inevitable during the construction period.
Tinubu further urged the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, to deliver quality work on schedule while creating job and skills-acquisition opportunities for Nigerian youths and artisans.
Earlier, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining infrastructure development irrespective of political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike said the flag-off ceremony, which coincided with the 10th day of the FCT Administration’s project commissioning activities, demonstrated the government’s resolve not to allow electioneering considerations to derail ongoing development efforts.
“Whether there are elections or not, we must continue to change the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
The Minister expressed confidence that Abuja would undergo a remarkable transformation before the end of President Tinubu’s first term in office in May 2027.
He disclosed that he had received assurances from CGC Nigeria Limited that the project would be completed on schedule, provided the government fulfilled its financial obligations.
Wike pledged to pay the contractor promptly and challenged the company to complete the project before the commencement of major election activities in early 2027.
The Minister also warned illegal land grabbers and developers against encroaching on government land along the project corridor, directing relevant agencies to demolish unauthorised structures that could hinder the execution of public infrastructure projects.
