ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared an end to what he described as the “two cities” reality in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where Abuja city enjoyed modern infrastructure while satellite communities were left behind.
Speaking through the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the commissioning of the Bwari Township Water Supply Network, the President said his administration was determined to spread development evenly across the FCT under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“For too long, the narrative of Abuja has been a tale of two cities – a glittering centre surrounded by underserved communities. We said no. That era is gone. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and development must be decentralised,” Tinubu said.
The President described the water project as another fulfilment of his administration’s promise to take infrastructure to rural and satellite communities.
He said the newly completed 198-kilometre water pipeline network, constructed by China Geo-engineering Construction (CGC) Limited, would provide clean water to Bwari, Ushafa and neighbouring communities through the Lower Usuma Dam water scheme.
Tinubu stressed that access to clean water is a basic right, not a privilege, noting that the project would reduce waterborne diseases, end dependence on untreated boreholes and create economic opportunities for residents.
He revealed that over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs were created during the execution of the project.
The President also assured residents that the water expansion programme would continue across other satellite towns.
“Last year, it was the Lower Usuma Dam Phase II rehabilitation; last month, it was the Karu water network; today it is Bwari. Before our tenure ends, this water revolution will reach Kuje, Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji,” he pledged.
Tinubu praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for driving massive infrastructure development across Abuja.
“From roads to housing and now water, you have proven to be a reliable champion of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Earlier, Wike said the Bwari project fulfilled Tinubu’s directive that satellite towns should enjoy the same level of development as the city centre.
According to him, the administration has now provided water to Abuja city, Karu and Bwari, while several road projects have also been completed across the territory.
“Let people know that we are not concentrating only on roads; we are making sure other sectors are also being touched,” Wike said.
The minister disclosed that the Tinubu administration had officially commissioned 50 projects in the FCT since assuming office in May 2023 and would inaugurate another 10 projects before the commencement of election campaigns.
He attributed the rapid transformation of the FCT to the President’s support.
“You can be a minister, but without the support of the President, it is difficult to perform. Mr. President has given the FCT all the support required to change the narrative, and we will not disappoint him,” Wike added.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the Bwari Water Supply Network as a major achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying it would improve access to safe drinking water, boost public health and enhance the quality of life of residents.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the project was completed ahead of schedule and would provide reliable potable water to Bwari and neighbouring communities while creating jobs and improving public health.
