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ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared that the era of abandoned projects in Nigeria is gradually coming to an end as he commissioned the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I Junction to Ring Road II Junction in Abuja.
The President, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said his administration remains committed to completing critical infrastructure projects capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.
“We don’t start projects to abandon them. The era of uncompleted projects in Nigeria is fading away. We finish what we start,” Tinubu declared.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, the President said the completion of the strategic road project was another demonstration of his administration’s determination to translate the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
“When we took the oath of office to lead this great nation, we didn’t promise shortcuts. We promised hard work. We promised a renewed hope that is tangible hope that you can see, hope that you can feel, and hope that you can drive on,” he said.
Tinubu noted that infrastructure development remains central to his administration’s economic agenda, describing roads as catalysts for investment, job creation and urban development.
“What we are doing here today goes far beyond laying asphalt or mixing concrete. We are paving the way for a brighter future. Infrastructure is the very artery of economic growth. If you want to unlock the potential of a city, create jobs and make life easier for the people, you build roads,” he stated.
The President recalled that his administration had commissioned the first phase of the OSEX project from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I Junction in 2024 and the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway in 2025.
He said the latest phase connecting Ring Road I and Ring Road II would significantly improve movement within the Federal Capital Territory and expand Abuja’s economic footprint.
“By linking the Apo District to Wasa, we are expanding Abuja’s economic footprint, opening up new areas for development and lowering the cost of doing business,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for what he described as outstanding leadership and commitment to infrastructure delivery.
“The structural transformation we are witnessing in the Federal Capital Territory is a testament to what happens when you have focus, vision and dynamic leadership. I want to commend the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and his entire team for their commitment and dogged determination in reshaping the FCT for long-term prosperity,” he said.
Addressing the minister directly, Tinubu added: “You have shown that public service is about performance, not excuses. You have kept the contractors on their toes and you have kept our vision alive.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barr. Nyesom Wike said the successful completion of the project demonstrated what could be achieved through commitment, proper planning and strong collaboration between government and contractors.
According to him, the project was awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited less than a year ago with a mandate to complete it before the President’s third anniversary in office.
“I asked them a simple question: Can you deliver this project? They said yes. Today, they have kept their promise. I want to sincerely thank CGC because this shows that nothing is impossible when there is determination and commitment,” Wike said.
The minister disclosed that he personally visited the project site on several occasions to monitor progress and ensure that the contractor adhered to the agreed timeline.
He also defended the administration’s infrastructure drive, dismissing claims that little or nothing was happening in the country.
“Sometimes it baffles me when people say nothing is happening in this country. Are we doing all these things in heaven or here on earth where people are living?” he asked.
Wike said the Tinubu administration had remained faithful to its promise of completing inherited projects, revealing that about 80 per cent of projects completed by the FCT Administration since 2023 were initiated by previous governments.
“We did say every project we inherited, we are going to continue with it and finish it. That’s the essence of leadership. Government is a continuum, and we cannot abandon projects funded with public resources,” he said.
He further disclosed that infrastructure has been fully provided at the new relocation site for operators of the Apo Mechanic Village, fulfilling a longstanding government promise to relocate the informal sector to a more conducive environment.
In her vote of thanks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the OSEX project as a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of Abuja.
She commended President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development and praised Wike for his resilience and dedication to delivering projects that are improving the lives of residents.
The newly commissioned road is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity between key districts and support the continued expansion and modernisation of the nation’s capital.
