President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned another landmark project in the series of projects completed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to mark Tinubu’s second anniversary – declaring that his administration remains strongly guided by a philosophy that drives reforms.
“Since assuming office in May 2023, this administration has been guided by a philosophy anchored on reform and regeneration,” President Tinubu said after commissioning the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road One (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Road) and some other roads in Katampe District in Abuja.
According to the President, “Today we’ve seen tangible proof of that philosophy in action. The corridor was underdeveloped for years, despite its central role in the Abuja master plan.
“Today, that narrative has changed, what was once missing as a link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure. The artery was fully realized through the leadership of the FCT administration under Minister, Nyesom Wike.
“This road will ease traffic congestion around Central Abuja and improve connectivity to developing districts such as Katampe and Jahi. It will stimulate housing and business growth while serving as a foundation for future city integration.
“Infrastructure is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity. We recognize that our nation’s development is linked to the quality of infrastructure, connecting people, cities, and industry. There is no way industrialization will flourish without good roads.
“We are investing in roads, rail, power, healthcare, education and digital infrastructure. It is only through this coordinated and integrated development that we can unlock Nigeria’s full potential. I promise you, we will,” Tinubu said.
The President who on Tuesday also commissioned the renovated ‘Bola Ahmed International Conference Centre’, explained that the project represents more than a stretch of asphalt, it affirms our commitment to urban transformation under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
President Tinubu assured that despite attempts by the opposition to distract his government in their play of dirty politics, he will remain focused on serving Nigerians.
He stressed that infrastructure is a necessity and not a luxury, but remains the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity.
“Like any government, we want development, but how well we organize and execute them depends on us because you are there. We are there because of the trust you have in us. Thank you very much for your cooperation. We thank the Minister of FCT too for relocating your community with peace and good compensation,” Tinubu added.
Commending the communities where the roads passed through, Tinubu said: “The road belongs to the community and citizens of Abuja and us as the federal government. I urge you to protect it and use it wisely.
“The government has played its part, we did not ignore it, we did not worry about protest, and as I commission this road, N16, to the glory of God Almighty, I reaffirm our commitment that we will continue to build, we will continue to serve the people, no matter how much the naysayers pursue their politics,” the President noted.
In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Wike, disclosed that the Arterial Road N16 project was awarded by the current administration in October last year and commended the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Construction (CGC), for its timely completion.
He noted a significant surge in contractor confidence, evidenced by ongoing project executions in the FCT, some commenced even before mobilization, demonstrating a belief in prompt payment. “This tells you they have confidence that yes, they will be paid”, he remarked.
Wike also disclosed the decisive action by the FCT Administration in ensuring that communities along the road corridor received 200 percent compensation, leading to seamless project execution.
“For the first time, the communities on the road corridor were paid their compensation of 200 percent. I said look, I don’t want anything that will stop the construction of this road.
“And when they were paid, I made sure that they were given other areas to go and live”, the Minister said.
Minister Wike conveyed the profound happiness and appreciation of the FCT residents to President Tinubu for his impactful work in the FCT and reassured the President that no contract awarded under the FCT Administration would be abandoned, vowing to complete virtually all awarded contracts by the President’s third year in office.
The Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mahmoud, in her remarks, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support to the FCT Administration and his commitment to infrastructure development. She extended appreciation to the Vice President, National Assembly members, and the Federal Executive Council while lauding Barrister Wike’s visionary leadership for “turning Abuja around”.
The Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engineer Richard Yunana Dauda, while presenting a technical brief of the Arterial Road N16, said the project is a six-lane dual carriageway with a total length of about 3.7 kilometers, including two interchanges. The road, he added, emanates from the Nnamdi Azikiwe expressway (by Nicon Junction and continues up to the Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), passing through the Katampe District.
He said that the completion of the project has provided the much-needed circulation and connection within the city by connecting the Maitama District in Phase I of the city to the Katampe District in Phase II, extending up to Jahi District by the Wole Soyinka Way.
