President Bola Tinubu has declared that the era of neglect of satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is over, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to providing essential infrastructure and services to underserved communities.
The President made the declaration on Monday in Abuja during the inauguration of the newly completed Karu Water Supply Network. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
President Tinubu noted that despite Karu’s rapid population growth over the years, residents had continued to rely on unsafe boreholes and water vendors for their daily water needs.
He said previous administrations had left behind a trail of unfulfilled promises, stressing that his government was focused on delivering tangible results.
“We are here not just to cut a ribbon, but to restore a fundamental human right that has eluded this vibrant community for far too long.
“Today, we declare that the era of neglect of our satellite towns is officially over,” the President said.
President Tinubu recalled that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, his administration pledged to ensure that governance translates into practical benefits for all Nigerians, including those living in communities outside the city centre.
According to him, the government had resolved that critical infrastructure projects would no longer be concentrated in elite districts while residents of satellite towns lacked access to basic amenities.
“Just a year ago, when we commissioned the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, I directed that the metropolitan water network must extend beyond the city centre to satellite towns where a significant portion of Abuja’s working population resides.
“When the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, presented the proposal for the Karu Water Supply Project, we approved it without hesitation because access to clean water is essential to health, dignity and economic development,” he said.
The President explained that prompt funding of the project enabled the contractor, CGC Nigeria Limited, to complete the work on schedule.
He disclosed that the project comprises more than 194 kilometres of secondary and tertiary pipeline networks, supplying treated and potable water to Karu, Orozo, Jikwoyi, Kurudu and surrounding communities.
Tinubu commended the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exemplary leadership and dedication to infrastructure development.
“Leadership is not measured by rhetoric but by visible and measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
“What we are witnessing in the FCT today across transport, healthcare, education, housing, roads and water infrastructure demonstrates what can be achieved when vision is matched with effective execution,” he said.
The President added that similar water projects were being replicated in the Bwari Area Council and other parts of the FCT.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to implement reforms and infrastructure projects aimed at improving living standards and ensuring that the benefits of governance reach ordinary Nigerians.
In his remarks, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, said the project stemmed from a Memorandum of Understanding signed with CGC in China in 2024 to improve water supply across satellite towns.
He commended President Tinubu for providing the necessary budgetary support for the project, noting that similar infrastructure in Bwari Area Council was also ready for inauguration.
“Today, less than one year after the commencement of the project, we are commissioning it for the benefit of residents,” Wike said.
He added that Karu was gradually evolving into a major urban centre due to ongoing investments in roads, water supply and other critical infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the inauguration of the Karu Water Supply Network as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of residents through strategic infrastructure development.
She said the project reflects the administration’s commitment to delivering life-enhancing projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to her, the water network will improve public health, enhance sanitation, stimulate economic activities and reduce the burden faced by families that have endured years of inadequate access to potable water.
Mahmoud urged residents to safeguard the facility and ensure its proper maintenance to guarantee its sustainability for future generations.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr Richard Dauda, disclosed that the contract for the construction and expansion of the Karu Water Supply Network was awarded in August 2023.
Dauda explained that the project utilises the existing Karu reservoir as its source and extends potable water supply to previously underserved communities, including Nyanya, Jikwoyi, Kurudu and adjoining areas.
