President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, approved the construction of new roads for underserved communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding infrastructure and declaring that the era of abandoned projects in Abuja was over.
The President gave the approval while commissioning the rehabilitated 16-kilometre Old Keffi Road linking Kado Fish Market to Dei-Dei Junction through Life Camp, directing the immediate construction of the Kaba–Kagini–Zaudna Road after residents displayed banners highlighting the poor condition of roads in their communities.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the inauguration held along Gwagwa Rail Station Road in Abuja, Tinubu said no district or community would be left behind under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are not slowing down. Across the FCT, from the city centre to the area councils, we are building for inclusion, safety and growth. Every district deserves access. Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government where they are,” the President said.
Tinubu declared that the completion of the Old Keffi Road marked another milestone in his administration’s determination to eliminate abandoned infrastructure projects in the nation’s capital.
“When we assumed office under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we told Nigerians the era of abandoned projects in Abuja was over. Some doubted. Today, doubt has no ground to stand on.
“From Saburi 1 and 2 to this corridor, and many others we have commissioned in recent weeks, the pattern is clear: we identify the problem, fund the solution and deliver,” he said.
Describing the newly rehabilitated road as a critical economic corridor, Tinubu said the project would restore dignity to commuters, improve mobility and stimulate commercial activities across Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Karmo, Idu and Dei-Dei.
“It gives me great honour to open a road that restores dignity to daily movement.
This is not a promise on paper. It is asphalt you can drive on, lights you can trust after dark, and drainages that serve both homes and markets,” he said.
The President explained that the project was initiated after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, briefed him on the deplorable state of the strategic corridor.
“He brought the report to me, and we acted,” Tinubu said, noting that the Federal Executive Council subsequently approved the project and awarded the contract to Lubrik Construction Company Limited based on its track record.
“Under this government, we do not reward patronage; we reward competence. If you deliver, you get more work. If you fail, you are out. Lubrik has delivered again,” he said.
The President also praised Wike for accelerating infrastructure development across the FCT.
“Minister, you have turned the FCT into a site of visible results. You inspect, you decide and you follow through. You have matched development in the city centre with development in the districts and area councils so that no community is left behind.
“‘Mr. Projects’ is not a slogan. It is the record of roads opened, lights installed and deadlines met. I trust you. I rely on you. Abuja is better because you are at the wheel,” President Tinubu said.
Tinubu equally commended the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, and the FCT Administration for delivering the project on schedule and to specification.
He described the road as an economic lifeline that would reduce travel time, cut transportation costs and improve connectivity, while noting that the installation of streetlights under the Light Up Abuja initiative would enhance security and boost night-time economic activities.
The President urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing vandalism and ensuring drainage channels remain free of refuse.
“This infrastructure belongs to you. Guard it. Do not vandalise streetlights. Do not block drains with refuse. Report any damage early,” he appealed.
Earlier, Wike said the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road fulfilled a long-standing promise made to residents, traders and farmers who had consistently appealed for improved access following the completion of the Saburi Road.
Recalling his engagement with residents during the Area Council election campaigns, the minister said traders had urged him to convey their request to President Tinubu.
“They told me, ‘Please tell Mr. President, if he completes this road for us, Mr. President should go home and sleep with his two eyes closed,’” Wike recounted.
He said the administration had now fulfilled that promise with the completion and commissioning of the road.
In one of the highlights of the event, Wike invited residents of Kaba, Kagini and Zaudna, who had attended the ceremony with banners requesting road construction in their communities, and announced that President Tinubu had approved the project on the spot.
“I have directed the Executive Secretary of the FCDA to instruct Lubrik Construction Company Limited to move to the area immediately and commence construction of the Kaba–Kagini–Zaudna road,” the minister announced.
According to Wike, the decision reflects the core objective of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The whole essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda is to restore hope where people have lost hope. Once Mr. President is made aware of critical infrastructure needs that will improve connectivity and economic activities, he acts.”
The minister thanked President Tinubu for approving the Old Keffi Road project and assured residents that work on the newly approved road would commence without delay
