President Bola Tinubu says through the provision of critical infrastructure projects executed by his administration in the Federal Capital Territory and beyond, he is laying a foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja when he inaugurated Phase I of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriage Way, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the infrastructural development along the Kuje-Gwagwalada road are taking place across the nation.
He therefore, vowed that no community will be left behind under his watch, even as he said his administration is “building the nation of our dreams.”
The Nigerian leader outlined the significance of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriage Way, noting that the construction of the road, which had been a death trap for decades, is both economic and geographical.
President Tinubu said; “For decades, this road was a death trap. Traders from Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali, and beyond lost time, goods, and sometimes lives while plying this route. Criminals thrived in the darkness. Students of our institutions here wasted hours in traffic. Farmers could not get their produce to market on time. That story ends today.
“This 7km dual carriageway with solar-powered street lights, 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 opening an exit route to southern Nigeria.”
The construction of the road, the President pointed out, has “unlocked the agricultural potential of the area, opened new residential layouts, and made it safer for mothers, students, and workers to move at any hour.”
He appealed to Nigerians to never give up on the country, saying they must support his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda in order to pull the country out of socio-economic challenges it was hitherto enmeshed in.
Full Responsibility
President Tinubu took full responsibility for the hardship occasioned by the ongoing reforms, assuring the citizens that they are designed to bring lasting prosperity.
He said; “To all Nigerians: I know the reforms have been tough. The hard choices today are for a stronger tomorrow. From the city centre to the farthest satellite town, we are laying the foundation for prosperity.
“Do not give up on Nigeria. Stay with us. Support the Renewed Hope Agenda. The results you are seeing here in Kuje-Gwagwalada are happening across the country.”
President Bola Tinubu described the projects as evidence of the Renewed Hope Agenda reaching residents of satellite towns and commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for extending development to grassroots communities.
He said; “I gave you one instruction when I appointed you: make Abuja work for all Nigerians, not just those in Maitama and Asokoro.
“From the judicial quarters in Katampe to roads in Kuje and Gwagwalada, you have demonstrated that development should not be selective. You listened to the concerns of residents in satellite communities and responded. That is leadership. Well done.”
President Tinubu assured residents of Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and other area councils that the Nigerian Government remains committed to their development and welfare.
He urged residents to protect the road infrastructure from encroachment and vandalism, particularly the median and solar-powered streetlights.
The President also encouraged citizens to pay their taxes and ground rents, noting that development progresses faster when government and citizens work together.
Speaking on community engagement, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said the administration had adopted a participatory approach in the selection and execution of projects across the territory.
Wike noted that the completion and inauguration of the road, alongside other projects, reflect the effectiveness of the model.
The Minister commended traditional rulers and stakeholders across the FCT for their support, describing them as critical partners in the administration of the territory.
He also thanked President Tinubu for supporting infrastructure development across the FCT.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said residents of Kuje, Gwagwalada and other benefiting communities appreciated the Federal Government’s efforts to improve infrastructure, particularly in satellite towns.
Providing an overview of the project, the Coordinator of the Satellite Town Development Department, Abdulkadir Zulkiflu said “its completion represents progress in efforts to improve infrastructure in satellite towns.”
According to him, the road project will boost economic and social activities in Kuje, Gwagwalada and surrounding communities, while improving connectivity and access for residents
