…Wike hails President’s resolve, defends compensation for non-indigenes
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that visionary leadership must be backed by decisive action for Nigeria to achieve meaningful progress. The President made the remark on Friday, during the official commissioning of the newly completed Arterial Road N5 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), now named Chief Obafemi Awolowo Road.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, President Tinubu said the road project reflects his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, translating policy into concrete benefits for citizens. “This road, named after a man of vision—Chief Obafemi Awolowo—now carries the legacy of forward-thinking leadership into the future of our capital city,” he said. “The Arterial Road N5 represents what we can achieve when vision meets action. It is a symbol of our collective progress and commitment to a better future.”
President Tinubu commended FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and his team for delivering the project within record time, stating that the road will significantly ease congestion around Life Camp Junction and improve connectivity between Dape, Gwarinpa 1, Kado, Karsana, Idu, and Dambora. “To Abuja residents and indeed all Nigerians—this is your road. Own it, use it wisely, protect it, and celebrate it,” he urged.
In his remarks, Minister Wike thanked President Tinubu for his continued support and political will in backing Abuja’s development. He noted that the road, constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, features a six-lane dual carriageway with parking lanes, making it an eight-lane expressway that stretches from the Central Business District to Ring Road III in Gwarinpa.
Wike also addressed the initial resistance the project faced, particularly over compensation. “Some said because the residents were not ‘indigenous,’ they didn’t deserve compensation. But I insisted—under President Tinubu’s administration, no Nigerian should be denied justice. Everyone whose property was affected was paid, and that’s how we got this road completed,” he stated.
He praised Julius Berger for their professionalism and timely delivery, recalling his long-standing relationship with the construction giant since his time as Governor of Rivers State. “When we negotiated this project, I told the MD that it must be completed in time for Mr. President’s second-year anniversary—and they delivered,” Wike said.
Wike also expressed appreciation to the affected communities, acknowledging the emotional and cultural loss many endured. “No amount of money can replace one’s heritage, but I thank you for your understanding. Your sacrifice has made this development possible.”
Mr. Richard Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), described the road as a vital corridor that aligns with the FCT Master Plan. “It begins near the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in the Central Business District, cuts across Wuse, Utako, Jabi, Dape, and Life Camp, and ends at Ring Road III. Future development will see it extend into Phase IV of the FCT,” he explained.
Wike revealed that talks are underway to further extend the road toward the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, with compensations being processed to allow construction to continue unhindered.
The commissioning ceremony drew top officials, community leaders, lawmakers, contractors, and residents, who all hailed the road as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that improves lives and connects communities.
“This is Renewed Hope in action,” Wike said. “This is how we build a greater Nigeria vision matched with action.”
