President Bola Tinubu has pledged to advance his administration’s drive to integrate satellite communities into the Federal Capital Territory’s development framework.
The President made the pledge while flagging off the construction of the access road linking Tungan Madaki to the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway through Zuba.
Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, President Tinubu said the project formed part of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at ensuring that rural and suburban communities benefit from the same level of infrastructure development as residents of the city centre.
According to the President, the road project is a critical component of a broader strategy to connect communities, stimulate economic activities, improve mobility and unlock investment opportunities across the FCT.
“This project is a direct continuation of the road from Bill Clinton Drive to the Tungan Madaki Community Road, which we commissioned a few weeks ago as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Administration.
“What began as one road is now growing into a network, and that is how real development takes root,” he said.
President Tinubu noted that residents of Tungan Madaki, Zuba and neighbouring communities, many of whom are farmers, traders and students, had endured years of poor road access, which hindered movement, increased transportation costs and limited economic opportunities.
He explained that the new road would provide a direct link to the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway, reduce travel time, lower vehicle maintenance costs and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.
“This new road will link Tungan Madaki directly to the Abuja–Kaduna Road, cutting travel time, reducing vehicle maintenance costs and opening a faster route for people and goods.
“It will connect rural productivity to urban opportunity. When farmlands are opened, food becomes more affordable in our markets. When communities are connected, young people have greater opportunities to establish businesses within their communities,” he said.
The President stressed that infrastructure development remains central to his administration’s economic agenda, describing roads as catalysts for prosperity, security and social inclusion.
“Infrastructure is not just concrete and asphalt. It is the bridge between potential and prosperity, and that is the core of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he stated.
Tinubu said the project would also ease traffic congestion within the Abuja city centre, provide alternative routes for commuters and strengthen the economic corridor between the FCT, Kaduna State and the wider North-West region.
He added that improved infrastructure along the axis would encourage investment in housing, healthcare, education and industrial development.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, for the pace of infrastructure delivery in the nation’s capital, noting that the administration had placed renewed emphasis on project completion and measurable results.
“From major highways to community access roads like this one, we are seeing a return to planning, a rejection of abandoned projects and a focus on results that citizens can see and benefit from,” he said.
Tinubu also directed the contractor to ensure the timely completion and delivery of a quality project while engaging local labour to create employment opportunities for young people in the area.
Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, said the road project was in line with President Tinubu’s directive that all satellite towns and area councils should be connected to the city centre through modern road infrastructure.
Wike disclosed that the project was initiated after the Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council drew the administration’s attention to the need for a direct road linking Zuba to Abuja to ease the burden on residents.
“It has been the directive of Mr President that all communities and satellite towns must be linked to the city. What we are doing today is fulfilling the promise Mr President made to Nigerians,” Wike said.
He explained that upon completion, residents of Zuba and adjoining communities would enjoy easier access to Abuja and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport without travelling through Gwagwalada.
The minister described the project as another milestone in the FCT Administration’s efforts to open up rural communities and improve the quality of life of residents.
He expressed confidence that the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), would complete the project before the end of the year.
“We are putting pressure on the contractor to ensure that, by the grace of God, this road is commissioned by December. For the people of Tungan Madaki and Zuba, this will be a Christmas gift,” Wike said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the construction of the Tungan Madaki–Zuba access road as another demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to extending infrastructure and economic opportunities to underserved communities.
Mahmoud said the road would significantly improve connectivity, stimulate commerce, attract investment and enhance the quality of life of residents of Tungan Madaki, Zuba and neighbouring communities.
According to her, the project reflects the FCT Administration’s determination to ensure that no community is left behind in the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital.
She also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for providing what she described as visionary leadership that has continued to drive infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
