President Bola Tinubu on Monday flagged off the construction of the access road linking Tungan Madaki to the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway by Zuba, saying the project underscores his administration’s commitment to connecting satellite communities to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and unlocking economic opportunities for residents.
Represented at the ceremony by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the road project builds on the recently commissioned Bill Clinton Drive–Tungan Madaki road and forms part of the infrastructure initiatives marking the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration.
He described the project as another milestone in the government’s plan to create an integrated road network that promotes inclusive development across the FCT.
“What began as one road is now growing into a network, and that is how real development takes root,” Tinubu said.
The President noted that Tungan Madaki, Zuba and neighbouring communities are inhabited by farmers, traders, students and workers who have for years faced the challenges of poor road infrastructure, especially during the rainy season when movement becomes difficult and agricultural produce often fails to reach markets on time.
According to him, the new road will provide direct access to the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, reduce travel time and transportation costs, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and improve access for security agencies.
“When farmlands are opened, food becomes cheaper in our markets. When communities are connected, young people have more reason to build enterprises at home. When response time for security agencies improves, our people are safer,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that infrastructure development remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing roads as essential links between economic potential and prosperity.
He said the Federal Capital Territory could only fulfil its national mandate when satellite towns and gateway communities were fully integrated into the city’s development framework.
The President also said the project would decongest the city centre, strengthen the Abuja-Kaduna economic corridor and encourage private investment in housing, education, healthcare and industrial development along the axis.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration for accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure, saying the government had demonstrated a renewed commitment to planning, execution and completion of projects.
“When I gave the charge to transform the FCT, the instruction was simple: deliver tangible outcomes that improve daily life. The work speaks for itself,” he stated.
Tinubu further said the project would create employment opportunities during construction and support businesses in transport, logistics and related services after completion.
He urged the contractor to ensure quality and timely execution while encouraging residents of Tungan Madaki, Zuba and surrounding communities to cooperate with the construction team.
“Our plan is to make the FCT work for all residents and ensure that no community is left behind in our national development,” he added.
Speaking shortly before the flag-off, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike said the event marked the 24th day of project commissioning and inauguration activities organised to celebrate President Tinubu’s third year in office.
Wike attributed the administration’s achievements to the President’s unwavering support and collaboration with the National Assembly.
He explained that the project was conceived after the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council appealed for a direct road linking Zuba to Abuja through Tungan Madaki instead of the longer route through Gwagwalada.
According to the minister, the request aligned with President Tinubu’s directive that every satellite town and area council should benefit from infrastructure development.
“What we are doing today is fulfilling Mr. President’s promise that all satellite towns and all area councils will receive the attention of his administration,” Wike said.
He praised the council chairman for identifying the developmental needs of his people and successfully attracting federal intervention.
The minister said the road would significantly improve mobility by providing residents with direct access to Abuja and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, while boosting economic activities in the area.
He also recalled that communities around the airport had requested road connectivity rather than financial compensation during discussions on the second runway project, adding that the government had honoured that request.
Expressing confidence in the contractor, CCECC, Wike said the project was expected to be completed by December, describing it as a “Christmas gift” to the people of Tungan Madaki and Zuba.
He thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for the FCT Administration and formally invited the President’s representative to declare the project open.
