ABUJA—PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, flagged off the construction of the two service carriageways of the Southern Parkway from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) to Ring Road 2 in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, saying the project would ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity and accelerate development across Abuja’s southern corridor.
The President, who was represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the project aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commitment to providing critical infrastructure that improves the lives of citizens.
According to him, the Southern Parkway is a major route within the Southern Development Corridor of the Federal Capital City and, when fully developed, will enhance vehicular movement and provide strategic inter-district connections between various phases of the city.
He said: “The Southern Parkway is a major route of the Southern Development Corridor. It starts from the Inner Southern Expressway in Phase One and terminates at the same corridor in Phase Four. When fully developed, it will enhance vehicular traffic circulation within the southern part of the city and provide vital inter-district connections.
“We have already delivered the main carriageway, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, which was completed and commissioned earlier in this administration. Now we are adding the service lanes to complete the vision.”
The President noted that residents of Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa and adjoining communities currently experience heavy traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, stressing that the completion of the service carriageways would significantly improve mobility and reduce travel time.
“Traffic will flow better, travel time will drop, businesses will save money and families will spend less time in traffic. That is the dividend of democracy and the Renewed Hope that citizens can see and feel,” he stated.
Tinubu described the project as part of a broader infrastructure revolution being implemented across the country, particularly in the FCT, where several road projects have either been completed or are ongoing.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exceptional leadership and commitment to infrastructure delivery.
“Mr. Wike, you have earned your name, Mr. Projects. Through your actions, you have shown clearly that delivering projects is in your DNA. Since assuming office, you have revived abandoned projects, set clear targets and delivered them in record time.
“You have brought discipline, vision and political will to the FCT. Nigerians are seeing the transformation and feeling the impact. The transformation of the FCT under your leadership is real and inspiring,” he said.
The President also commended the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the entire FCT Administration for maintaining standards and ensuring quality execution of projects.
He urged residents of affected communities to cooperate with contractors during construction, noting that temporary inconveniences such as traffic diversions and delays were necessary sacrifices for long-term benefits.
Earlier, FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, dismissed concerns that infrastructure projects in the nation’s capital could slow down because of the approaching election season, insisting that project execution would continue uninterrupted.
“Today is our 10th day of commissioning projects, but some people have asked whether projects will now be abandoned because elections are approaching. We have said no. Elections or no elections, we must continue to implement the directive of Mr. President to change the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
Wike expressed confidence that Abuja would witness a complete transformation before the end of President Tinubu’s first tenure.
“By the time Mr. President finishes his first tenure on May 29, 2027, before he is sworn in for a second tenure, the landscape of Abuja would have entirely changed, to the glory of God,” he stated.
The minister disclosed that he had personally sought assurances from the management of CGC Nigeria Limited regarding the project timeline and completion schedule.
According to him, the contractor had assured the FCT Administration of its readiness to work round the clock to ensure timely delivery, provided government fulfills its contractual obligations.
“I want this project completed and commissioned before the election period in January 2027. I assure CGC Nigeria Limited that the FCT Administration will not fail in its obligation to pay for the work done,” he said.
Wike also warned against illegal developments and encroachment along the project corridor, directing relevant agencies to identify and remove structures erected on lands not legally allocated.
“All those who have encroached on government land and commenced development without lawful allocation should know that such actions will not stand. We will protect the Abuja Master Plan,” he warned.
In his remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the contract for the project was awarded in May 2026 to CGC Nigeria Limited, which had already mobilised to site.
He explained that the scope of work includes the construction of two service carriageways of approximately three kilometres each, two river bridges, drainage infrastructure, culverts and street lighting facilities.
According to him, the project will significantly reduce traffic congestion currently experienced on roads serving Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa, Duboyi and adjoining districts.
Also speaking, Acting Head of Service of the FCT Administration, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project and reiterated the administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that improves the quality of life of residents.
She urged the contractor to adhere strictly to approved specifications, timelines and safety standards to ensure successful completion of the project.
