President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate construction of more roads in communities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), declaring that the days of abandoned projects in Abuja are over.
The President gave the directive on Thursday while commissioning the rehabilitated 15-kilometre Old Keffi Road from Kado Village through Life Camp to Dei-Dei Junction on the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX).
In a dramatic twist, Tinubu also approved Zaudna-Kaba-Kagini Road after residents displayed banners pleading for government intervention over the deplorable state of roads in their communities.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu assured residents that his administration would continue to spread development to every part of the FCT under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are not slowing down. Across the FCT, from the city centre to the area councils, we are building for inclusion, safety and growth. Every district deserves access. Every citizen deserves to feel the impact of government where they live,” he declared.
The President said the completion of the Old Keffi Road was proof that his administration was fulfilling its promises.
“When we assumed office under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we told Nigerians the era of abandoned projects in Abuja was over. Some doubted. Today, doubt has no ground to stand on.
“From Saburi 1 and 2 to this corridor and many others commissioned as part of our third anniversary, the pattern is clear: we identify the pain, we fund the solution and we deliver.”
Tinubu described the newly rehabilitated road as a project that would restore dignity to commuters and boost economic activities in Kado, Saburi, Gwagwa, Karmo, Idu and Dei-Dei.
“This is not a promise on paper. It is asphalt you can drive on, lights you can trust after dark and drainages that serve both homes and markets,” he said.
According to the President, the project was approved after FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike drew his attention to the hardship residents and traders faced along the busy corridor.
“He brought the report to me. We acted,” Tinubu said.
He added that the Federal Executive Council approved the contract, which was executed by Lubrik Construction Company Limited.
The President stressed that his administration rewards competence and not political patronage.
“Under this government, we do not reward patronage. We reward competence. If you deliver, you get more work. If you fail, you are out. Lubrik has delivered again.”
Tinubu showered praises on Wike, saying the FCT Minister had transformed Abuja through visible infrastructure development.
“Minister, you have turned the FCT into a site of visible results. You inspect, you decide, you follow through. You have matched development in the city centre with development in the districts and area councils so that no community is left behind.
“‘Mr. Projects’ is not a slogan. It is the record of roads opened, lights installed and deadlines met. I trust you. I rely on you. Abuja is better because you are at the wheel.”
He also commended the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the entire FCT Administration for ensuring the project was delivered on schedule without compromising quality.
Describing the road as “an economic artery,” Tinubu said it would reduce travel time, cut transportation costs and improve commercial activities across the corridor.
He urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing vandalism of streetlights and keeping drainage channels free of refuse.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike recalled that residents had consistently appealed for the rehabilitation of the Old Keffi Road after the completion of the Saburi Road.
According to him, traders told him during the Area Council election campaign to relay a message to President Tinubu.
“They told me, ‘Please tell Mr. President, if he completes this road for us, Mr. President should go home and sleep with his two eyes closed,'” Wike disclosed.
He said Thursday’s commissioning fulfilled that promise.
In another major announcement, Wike invited residents carrying banners demanding another road project to come forward and immediately approved government intervention on the President’s behalf.
“I have told the Executive Secretary of the FCDA to direct Lubrik Construction Company to move to this area immediately and construct the road,” he announced to loud cheers.
According to Wike, the decision reflects the true spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The whole essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda is to bring back hope where people have lost hope. Once Mr. President becomes aware of critical infrastructure needs that will improve connectivity and economic activities, he acts.”
He thanked President Tinubu for approving the Old Keffi Road project and assured residents that work on the newly approved road would begin without delay.
