…Flags Off 6km Road Project in Abuja’s Research District
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared that his administration is building the infrastructure needed to power a knowledge-based economy, saying education, innovation and justice cannot thrive without good roads.
The President spoke in Abuja while flagging off the construction of Collector Road CO1 in the Institutional and Research District, linking Nile University to Ring Road III.
Represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu said the project also includes the dualisation of the road from Baze University Roundabout to Nile University.
He said the Federal Government was laying a solid foundation for the future by investing in strategic infrastructure across the nation’s capital.
“Three years into our administration, the results are speaking for themselves. From the Southern Parkway to the Institutional and Research District, we are laying the physical foundation for a knowledge-driven economy.
“Today, we are providing roads that will support education, justice and innovation. To the university community, this road is more than a route; it is a bridge to the future,” he said.
Tinubu described the Institutional and Research District as the intellectual hub of Abuja, designed to accommodate universities, law chambers, research centres and innovation hubs.
According to him, no society can achieve meaningful progress if critical infrastructure is lacking.
“IIeas cannot move if roads do not move. Infrastructure remains the backbone of development,” he added.
The President said his administration was committed to completing ongoing projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The first phase of this corridor connecting the Body of Benchers, Nile University and Baze University has been completed and is ready for commissioning. Today, we begin the next phase to Ring Road III.
“That is how we build a city—with a plan, not with abandoned projects. Infrastructure must be continuous and beneficial to the people,” he said.
Tinubu also showered praises on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, describing him as a performer who has transformed Abuja through aggressive project delivery.
“Wike, your energy is unmatched. You inherited a capital littered with abandoned projects and turned the FCT Administration into a delivery agency.
“‘Mr Projects’ is not just a slogan; it is a record. You have revived abandoned roads, built new interchanges and extended development to satellite towns.
“You have domesticated the Renewed Hope Agenda, street by street and district by district. The transformation of Abuja under your watch is bold, visible and commendable,” Tinubu stated.
Responding, Wike said the project was initiated following appeals by the Body of Benchers for better access roads to ease movement within the district.
He assured residents that the Tinubu administration would fulfil all promises made to the people of the FCT, adding that the road project would be completed by January 2027.
The minister vowed not to allow political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections to derail ongoing developmental projects.
“We will continue to deliver projects that impact positively on the lives of residents as directed by President Tinubu. Politics will not stop us from working,” Wike said.
Earlier, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the Institutional and Research District in Phase III of the Federal Capital City was designated in the Abuja Master Plan for educational, research and government institutions.
He explained that the district was being developed in phases and that the current project would open up the area for rapid growth and development.
Dauda said the project covers about six kilometres of Collector Road CO1 from Nile University to Ring Road III and includes the dualisation of the section between Baze University Junction and Nile University.
