President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declared that his administration is opening up Abuja to economic opportunities through massive road infrastructure, saying the commissioning of Collector Roads 01 and 02 in Mabushi District marks another major milestone in the transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the roads linking the Mabushi Bus Terminal to Ahmadu Bello Way, the President said the project would end years of traffic bottlenecks, improve connectivity and unlock fresh opportunities for businesses and residents.
“We are not just opening two roads. We are opening up Abuja. We are connecting people to opportunity and cutting hours of waste from daily life,” Tinubu declared.
The President noted that for years residents of the area battled gridlock, needless detours and lost productive hours, stressing that the new roads would change the narrative.
“When roads connect, businesses grow. When movement is easy, productivity rises. When travel is safe, citizens are free. That is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work.”
He described infrastructure as the backbone of economic growth, saying roads are “the veins of commerce, the bridges of unity and the channels through which our people pursue their dreams.”
Tinubu thanked residents for enduring the inconveniences caused by construction and urged them to protect the infrastructure.
“These roads belong to you. Use them responsibly. Protect them jealously.”
The President reserved special praise for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, saying the former Rivers State governor had justified the confidence reposed in him.
“I gave you a simple charge: ‘Make Abuja work for all.’ You took it and ran with it. From satellite towns to the city centre, you are turning blueprints into roads people can drive on today.
“Your energy, your insistence on delivery and your refusal to accept excuses are why the FCT is transforming under this administration. Nigerians see it. I see it. Well done, Minister Wike.”
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to build a world-class capital city where no community would be left behind.
Responding, FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike attributed the ongoing transformation of Abuja to President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and unwavering support.
“It is your directive that every district in Abuja must be touched. Every district must feel the impact of your administration,” Wike said.
He disclosed that the commissioning formed part of the 31-day project inauguration marking Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, adding that virtually every district in the FCT would benefit from one project or another.
The minister maintained that road infrastructure remains the foundation for development, saying the newly commissioned roads had already sparked massive real estate investments in Mabushi.
“Look at this road and look at the houses around it. Without this road, these houses wouldn’t have come up. Investors are coming because infrastructure has arrived.
“Some people used to say, ‘We cannot eat roads.’ Today, they can see what roads can do. Roads attract development, create jobs, increase property values and stimulate economic activities.”
Taking a swipe at opposition politicians, Wike said those criticising the administration were themselves beneficiaries of the infrastructure being provided by the Tinubu government.
“Before the end of these 31 days, I will compile the names of the fake opposition leaders and show Nigerians the roads we have constructed leading to their houses.”
He praised Tinubu for consistently providing funds for projects, saying the administration had given the FCT all the support needed to deliver results.
“When you have courageous, focused and determined leadership, there is no excuse for failure. Mr President has never failed to approve any request that will improve the lives of Abuja residents,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described Tinubu as the driving force behind the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying his leadership had accelerated infrastructure delivery across the capital city.
She also hailed Wike as “a master builder of Nigeria’s capital city,” whose commitment had translated government policies into life-changing projects.
Mahmoud urged residents to protect public infrastructure and continue supporting the administration’s efforts to build a modern and prosperous Federal Capital Territory.
