First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday formally commissioned a remodeled Abuja City Gate, calling the refurbished landmark a “symbol of national identity” as President Bola Tinubu’s government marks three major anniversaries.
Speaking as the representative of President Tinubu, Mrs. Tinubu said the unveiling — timed to coincide with the federal government’s third anniversary and the Federal Capital Territory’s 50th year — emphasizes the capital’s growing emphasis on civic renewal.
“There is no better time than this historic anniversary to remodel the Abuja City Gate, an iconic landmark that stands as a symbol of our national identity,” she said.
The project’s centerpiece is a new fountain, which officials said incorporates 37 nozzles to represent the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The First Lady described the feature as a gesture of welcome that signals Abuja’s “unity, diversity, and shared aspirations,” and urged citizens to protect the public asset.
“Public infrastructure belongs to all of us, and its maintenance is a shared responsibility,” she said.
The rehabilitation work was overseen by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who recounted logistical challenges and heavy rains that threatened completion.
Minister Wike said President Tinubu and the First Lady personally pressed for the upgrade, accelerating work by contractors operating on a tight timeline.
“Your Excellency, this is your brainchild… you called me and you said, ‘Hold on for the First Lady,’” he said, thanking firms including Julius Berger for meeting the deadline.
NewsQuest reports that the gate’s redesign is part of broader Federal Capital Territory efforts to upgrade roads and public spaces ahead of the territory’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the FCT, called the remodelling a “visible expression of a new era of infrastructural renewal,” and said it forms a cornerstone of the administration’s plan to position Abuja to global standards.
Richard Dauda, executive secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, provided a technical overview, noting that the original gate was erected in 1991 to mark the official relocation of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.
He said the structure had suffered years of neglect until a redesign and rehabilitation contract was awarded in November 2025.
The renovated facility includes the Unity Fountain with 37 nozzles, an irrigation system, new lighting, a 60-space car park, toilet facilities and upgraded security features, Mr. Dauda said.
Officials invited residents and visitors to view the fountain and urged public cooperation in preserving the site.
At the commissioning, Minister Wike celebrated the completion as a milestone. “To the glory of God, we have arrived,” he said.
