President Bola Tinubu on Thursday commissioned the FCT Highway 105, popularly known as the Kuje Road, reaffirming the Nigerian Government’s commitment to ending the culture of abandoned projects nationwide and sustaining the ongoing infrastructure development drive across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, declared that the completion of the major highway serves as direct proof that the current administration honours its pledges to the public.
The six-lane dual carriageway, which connects the Airport Expressway to the Kuje Township Junction, had faced significant delays following its initial contract award in 2022.
“To appreciate the significance of this moment, we must recall why we started,” the President noted. “This road was awarded in 2022, but little progress was made. It became a symbol of frustration, causing gridlock for businesses, dust in the dry season, and mud during the rains.”
He emphasised that his administration does not shy away from inherited issues, highlighting instead a proactive approach to governance.
“The present administration does not inherit problems to abandon them. We inherit challenges to solve them,” he stated.
Economic Catalyst for the Grassroots
Highlighting the economic benefits of the project, the President noted that the road would decongest the city centre by opening up peripheral economic zones, boosting property values, and attracting fresh commercial investment to the area. Furthermore, it will empower local farmers to transport their agricultural produce to markets swiftly and without delay.
“Now, we are giving you your time back. And time is money, and we are putting that time back in your pocket, adding that true democracy must be felt at the grassroots level, rather than just within the city centre.” The president said
The President highly commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his relentless execution and the political will displayed in driving the project to completion.
He reiterated that despite previous obstructions, the government ensured proper compensation was paid in accordance with the law to clear the path for development.
“You have proven once again that when we give a task to a performer, the results speak for themselves,” Tinubu said, referring to Wike.
He also lauded the construction contractors for delivering the infrastructure to international standards whilst thanking the residents of Kuje for their patience during the construction phase.
A Call for Civic Responsibility
Shifting focus to sustainability, the President reminded citizens that infrastructure development relies heavily on a functioning partnership between the government and the public.
He urged FCT residents, developers, and business owners to promptly pay their taxes, ground rents, and land fees to enable the replication of similar projects in other satellite towns.
However, he made a direct appeal to traditional rulers, community leaders, and the youth of Kuje to take ownership of the newly commissioned asset.
“This road is yours. Guard it. Protect the streetlights, the drainage, the walkways. Do not allow vandalism. Do not turn it into an illegal market or refuse dump, urging residents to report any acts of sabotage to ensure the highway serves future generations,” he warned.
Transforming the Landscape
Earlier, Wike disclosed that the newly upgraded highway is expected to drastically transform the socio-economic landscape of Kuje and surrounding satellite towns by resolving the suffocating bottlenecks that previously cost commuters thousands of collective man-hours.
The Minister noted that despite the contract for the 11-kilometre road being awarded on 4 February 2022 at a cost exceeding 54 billion Naira, no contractor was on-site when the current administration took over. He credited the milestone to the shared commitment of President Tinubu’s administration and the FCT leadership.
Also speaking, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, affirmed that the commissioning of the project was a landmark achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted that it reflects the administration’s resolve to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
She therefore urged residents to continue supporting initiatives that promote regional development, improve mobility, and strengthen the socio-economic prosperity of the FCT.
