President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the completion of Phase I of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway marks the end of years of hardship, insecurity and economic losses suffered by residents and commuters.
The President stated this on Wednesday while inaugurating the seven-kilometre Phase I of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu described the road, once regarded as a “death trap”, as a critical economic and security infrastructure that would transform the lives of residents of Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and neighbouring communities.
“For decades, this road was a death trap. Traders from Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and beyond lost time, goods and sometimes lives while using this road. Criminals thrived in the darkness. Students wasted hours in traffic, while farmers could not get their produce to market on time.
“But that story ends today,” he said.
According to the President, the road, fitted with solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and modern drainage systems, is far more than a transport facility.
“This seven-kilometre dual carriageway with solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and proper drainage is more than a road. It is security. It is commerce. It is dignity.
“It is the economic corridor linking Abuja to three area councils and serving as an entry and exit route to Southern Nigeria. With the construction of this road, we have unlocked the agricultural potential of this area, opened new residential layouts and made it safer for mothers, students and workers to travel at any time of the day,” he stated.
Tinubu said the project reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending development beyond the city centre to satellite communities.
“My people of Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and all the area councils and satellite towns, hear me clearly: this government sees you. You are not forgotten.
“For too long, Abuja’s development stopped at the city centre. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, every area council matters. Every community counts. We will continue to bring roads, water, schools and hospitals closer to the people,” he said.
The President urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure by avoiding vandalism and illegal developments while fulfilling their civic obligations.
“Do not build on the median. Do not vandalise the solar lights. Pay your taxes and ground rents. When government works and citizens cooperate, development progresses faster,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for extending development to underserved communities across the FCT.
“I gave you an instruction when I appointed you: make Abuja work for all Nigerians, not just those in Maitama and Asokoro.
“You have taken Renewed Hope to the grassroots. From the Judicial Quarters in Katampe to roads in Kuje and Gwagwalada, you are proving that development must not be selective. You heard the cries of satellite communities and responded. That is leadership. Well done, Honourable Minister,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, explained that the project was initiated in response to requests made by residents, traditional rulers and stakeholders during consultations held across the six area councils following the administration’s assumption of office in 2023.
He said insecurity and poor road infrastructure were among the key concerns raised by residents of Kuje Area Council.
Recalling his inspection of the road, Wike said he was shocked by its deplorable condition.
“While returning from Kwali after inspecting projects, I decided to travel through the road the traditional ruler had spoken about. The journey took almost two hours. I asked where we were heading, and they said Kuje. I wondered how a journey within the FCT could take nearly two hours. There was practically no road,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Executive Council approved the project in early 2025 and awarded the contract to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited.
He expressed satisfaction that the first phase had been completed on schedule and revealed that the contractor had assured the administration that Phase II would be delivered by December 2026.
“What this means is that the people of Gwagwalada and Kuje can now interact more easily, businesses can thrive and farmers can move their produce to markets without difficulty. That is governance. That is bringing hope to the people,” Wike stated.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a clear demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s commitment to improving lives through strategic infrastructure investment.
She commended Wike for his leadership and determination in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the FCT.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the contract was awarded on 28 February 2025 and comprises a seven-kilometre dual carriageway with two lanes on each side, a three-span bridge, drainage systems and solar-powered streetlights.
He added that the project would improve access to farming communities, facilitate the transportation of agricultural produce, reduce travel time and stimulate economic activities in Kuje, Gwagwalada and neighbouring communities.
Zulkiflu said the second phase, covering the remaining six kilometres of the road, is expected to be completed by December 2026, bringing the full upgrade of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road corridor to completion.
