Tinubu Orders Fresh Roads For Abuja Communities, Declares End To Abandoned FCT Projects

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ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, ordered the immediate extension of road infrastructure to more communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) declaring that the era of abandoned projects in the nation’s capital has come to an end.

Tinubu gave the directive while commissioning the rehabilitated 15-kilometre Old Keffi Road linking Kado Village, Life Camp and Dei-Dei Junction on the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), where he also approved the construction of the Kaba – Kagini – Zaudna road road after residents displayed banners calling government’s attention to the deplorable condition of roads in their communities.

Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President said his administration would continue to spread infrastructure development across the FCT under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are not slowing down. Across the FCT, from the centre to the area councils, we are building for inclusion, for safety and for growth. Every district deserves access. Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government where they are,” Tinubu said.

Declaring that abandoned projects had become a thing of the past, the President said his administration had consistently matched promises with delivery.

“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 to many others we started unveiling last month to mark the third anniversary of this administration, the pattern is clear: we identify the pain, we fund the solution and we deliver.”

Describing the newly rehabilitated road as a major intervention, Tinubu said the project would restore dignity to commuters and boost economic activities in Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Karmo, Idu and Dei-Dei.

“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.

According to the President, the project was approved after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, drew his attention to the hardship residents and businesses endured along the strategic corridor.

“He brought the report to me. We acted,” Tinubu stated, adding that the Federal Executive Council approved the contract, which was executed by Lubrik Construction Company Limited.

He stressed that his administration rewards competence rather than political patronage.

“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.”

Tinubu also showered praises on Wike, saying the FCT Minister had transformed Abuja into “a site of visible results.”

“Minister, you have turned the FCT into a site of visible results. You inspect, you decide, 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.”

The President equally commended the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and officials of the FCT Administration for ensuring timely delivery of the project without compromising quality.

He described the Old Keffi Road as an economic artery that would reduce travel time, ease transportation costs and stimulate commercial activities, adding that streetlights installed under the Light Up Abuja initiative would improve security and support business activities at night.

Tinubu urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing vandalism of streetlights and keeping drainage channels free of refuse.

Earlier, FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike said the road project fulfilled a promise made to residents and traders who had repeatedly appealed for the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road following the completion of the Saburi Road.

He recalled that during the Area Council election campaign, traders told him to inform President Tinubu that completing the road would earn him their enduring gratitude.

“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 said.

The minister said the commissioning demonstrated that the Tinubu administration keeps its promises.

In a dramatic turn during the ceremony, Wike invited residents carrying banners demanding another road project to come forward and immediately directed the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, to instruct Lubrik Construction Company to mobilise to the area.

“I have told the Executive Secretary of the FCDA to direct Lubrik Construction Company to move to this area immediately and construct the road,” he announced to loud applause.

According to him, the action reflected the philosophy of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The whole essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda is to bring back hope where people have lost hope. Once Mr. President becomes aware of critical infrastructure needs that will improve connectivity and economic activities, he acts.”

Wike thanked President Tinubu for approving the Old Keffi Road project and assured residents that work on the newly approved road would commence immediately.