In a momentous event highlighting the dynamic leadership and transformative vision of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized that while significant milestones have been achieved, the journey towards national development is ongoing.
Represented by Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu urged, “As we celebrate this project, let us remember that our work is far from over. There are still many challenges to overcome and many more opportunities to explore.” This message underscored the limitless potential that can be realized through determination, perseverance, and a shared sense of purpose.
The occasion marked the commissioning of key infrastructure projects under the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, showcasing profound impacts on the quality of life for Nigerians. The event underscored the power of visionary leadership and unity in driving national development.
President Tinubu’s address, delivered by Vice President Shettima, highlighted the Outer Southern Motorway’s inauguration, a project aimed at alleviating transport congestion and improving transportation. “This motorway will stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for prosperity,” Shettima noted, emphasizing the project’s role in enhancing connectivity and accessibility within Abuja.
President Tinubu lauded FCT Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike for his visionary leadership and dedication.
“Wike is a force of nature,” Shettima quoted, praising Wike’s contributions to infrastructural development, urban planning, and sustainable growth in the nation’s capital. The completion of the Outer Southern Motorway extension was highlighted as a testament to effective collaboration and partnership.
“This project is a shining example of what we can accomplish if we work together towards a common goal, transcending political divides and personal interests for the greater good of our nation,” Shettima asserted, recognizing the collective effort behind the success and expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the project’s fruition.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, highlighted the significant milestones achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed gratitude for the support received.
He said, “Those of us who have stayed in Abuja for some time will know how bad it was. This project was awarded in 2013. Eleven years till now, we are battling how to make life easy for our people. That is why the whole essence of the ‘renewed hope agenda’ is to make you feel comfortable and bring back your hope, and this is what we are doing today. Mr. President said every project I commenced must be completed, and I thank God almighty that we are doing that today.”
Reflecting on the financial challenges, Wike said, “The cost of this project, as at when it was awarded, was 39.8 billion Naira, but in 2021 it was revised to 59.9 billion Naira. Under the TSA, it was very difficult for us to have finished this project. By Mr. President allowing us to pull out from the TSA, it became easy for us to access funds and pay contractors. In fact, I can tell you that the confidence contractors now have is that most of them ran back to us, knowing we would pay.”
Emphasizing the collaborative effort, Wike noted, “As far as I am concerned, this road partly is being funded by Sukuk, so I want to thank my dear sister, the DG of the Debt Management Office. She has supported us tirelessly. This achievement would also not have been possible but for the robust cooperation and relationship we have with the National Assembly Leadership (NASS).”
Wike further acknowledged the broader impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda: “We are doing well because we have Mr. President giving us support and the NASS giving us support. People are regaining hope because they can now feel the pulse of the government.”
Also, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud said, “It is on record that the increased accessibility provided by this expanded Inner Southern Expressway from the Outer Southern Expressway has facilitated economic growth and development in our nation’s capital city”.
She said, the benefits of city road expansion are manifold, ranging from improved traffic flow and economic growth to enhanced quality of life for residents.
Zhong Xiang, MD CGC Nigeria Limited said, completing this project was not easy. It took 11 years, but in the past eight months, the government provided immense support. They settled all outstanding payments, enabling us to overcome the challenges we faced. Without these payments, we wouldn’t have finished the project on time.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the government, Mr. Project, and the FCT Minister. We are honored to complete this project for the Nigerian government and the Nigerian people, he said.
