President Bola Tinubu has praised the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for transforming a long-abandoned road project into a critical transportation corridor.
He said the completion of the Airport Expressway-Kuje Township Junction Road demonstrated what can be achieved when leadership is matched with political will.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration of Federal Highway 105 in Kuje Area Council in Abuja, yesterday, Tinubu said the project reflected his administration’s commitment to ending the culture of abandoned infrastructure and delivering meaningful development to Nigerians.
The president commended Wike for overcoming the obstacles that had stalled the project for years, describing him as a leader who consistently delivers results.
“When I appointed the minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, I did so because he delivers. Where there was delay, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and we value progress.
“To the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, the landlord of Abuja, I say well done. You have proven once again that when we give a task to a performer, the results speak for themselves,” he said.
Tinubu noted that the newly completed six-lane dual carriageway was more than a road project, describing it as a fulfillment of promises made to Nigerians under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are not just commissioning a road. We are keeping a promise. Three years ago, we promised Nigerians that the era of abandoned projects would come to an end. Today, Federal Highway 105 is proof that we keep our word,” he said.
The president recalled that the road, originally awarded years ago, had become a symbol of neglect and frustration for residents and motorists who endured severe traffic congestion, poor road conditions and economic losses.
According to him, the reconstruction of the highway would not only ease transportation challenges but also unlock economic opportunities in Kuje and surrounding satellite towns.
“This road changes everything. It removes a major bottleneck, reduces travel time and improves access for businesses, farmers and residents. It is part of our broader vision to ensure that development is not restricted to the city centre alone,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that sustainable development in Abuja depends on the growth of satellite towns, noting that the project would help decongest the city centre, boost property values and attract private investment.
He also urged residents and businesses to support government development efforts by paying taxes, ground rents and other statutory charges.
The president further called on traditional rulers, youth groups and community leaders to protect the newly completed infrastructure from vandalism and misuse.
Earlier, Wike revealed that the Airport-Kuje Road was among the most difficult projects executed by the FCT Administration, largely because it had become politically controversial and was virtually abandoned despite the huge public funds committed to it.
The minister disclosed that shortly after assuming office, he visited all six Area Councils on the directive of President Tinubu to engage traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders on their most pressing needs.
According to him, the rehabilitation and dualisation of the Kuje road emerged as one of the top demands made by residents and traditional authorities.
“When we came to Kuje, the traditional ruler made two major requests. One was that the road from Garage Junction towards Gwagwalada should be fixed because it had become impassable. The second was that despite the contract having been awarded, there was no contractor on site,” Wike said.
He explained that before reconstruction commenced, large sections of the road had deteriorated to the point that they posed serious security and economic challenges.
“People see a beautiful road today, but they may not remember how terrible it was. This road was practically non-existent in some places. It became a death trap and a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements who preyed on commuters and residents,” he stated.
Wike noted that the completion of the project was made possible by President Tinubu’s unwavering support for infrastructure development and his insistence on delivering projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
He said the road would improve security, ease movement of people and goods, and stimulate economic activities across Kuje Area Council and neighbouring communities.
Also speaking, minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the commissioning as a major achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development in the nation’s capital and praised Wike for what she termed his exceptional leadership in driving transformative projects across the FCT.
Mahmoud said the Airport-Kuje Highway would improve connectivity, promote economic growth and enhance the quality of life of residents, urging citizens to support government initiatives aimed at accelerating development throughout the territory.
The commissioning formed part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office and the ongoing inauguration of completed infrastructure projects across the FCT.
