President Bola Tinubu has delivered what appeared to be his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor has justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.
President's Endorsement
Tinubu, who spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and adjoining road networks in Katampe District on Friday, praised Wike's performance in executing critical infrastructure projects across the territory.
"When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track record. Barrister Wike, you have not disappointed Mr. President," the President said.
He commended the minister for spearheading the construction of roads, water projects, judicial infrastructure and other urban renewal initiatives that have reshaped parts of the nation's capital within a relatively short period.
"From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you 'Mr. Project' for a reason," Tinubu added.
Infrastructure Drive
The President's remarks came as the FCT Administration marked the eighth day of an extensive commissioning exercise showcasing projects delivered under the current administration. Tinubu described the newly completed road as a symbol of the Federal Government's commitment to translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
According to him, recent investments in solar-powered street lighting and road infrastructure have improved security, enhanced mobility and stimulated economic activities across the capital city.
"We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja's city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity," he said.
The President stressed that the significance of the road extends beyond its physical structure. "A road like CN2 is more than just concrete. It represents hope. It proves to every Nigerian that government can deliver. It tells our youth that this country truly belongs to them," he stated.
He also urged residents to take ownership of public infrastructure by paying taxes, clearing ground rents and protecting public assets from vandalism. "This road belongs to you; guard it for your children. Do not vandalise the street lights or turn walkways into marketplaces. If you witness any destruction, report it immediately," he said.
Wike's Remarks
Earlier, Wike said the project was conceived to address a critical infrastructure gap within the rapidly developing Katampe District and to complement road networks already completed in neighbouring districts. According to him, the decision to construct the road followed observations that existing road projects in the area would remain incomplete without the missing link provided by Collector Road CN2.
"Last year, when Mr. President commissioned the bridge and road at Guzape, this particular road did not even exist. We identified the gap and decided it had to be closed because infrastructure development must be holistic," he said.
The minister noted that the road had already begun attracting significant private sector investment, particularly in the real estate sector, with numerous building projects springing up along the corridor.
"Every time I come here, I am amazed by the level of development taking place. Previously, there were no structures here, but today construction is everywhere. When people say nothing is happening in Nigeria, they only need to look around Abuja to see the evidence of progress," Wike said.
He argued that infrastructure development remains one of the most effective instruments for stimulating economic growth and job creation, adding that thousands of engineers, artisans, labourers and support workers have benefited from ongoing projects across the FCT.
The minister also highlighted efforts by the administration to extend development beyond the city centre to satellite communities. He referenced the recently commissioned road linking communities affected by the construction of the FCT's second airport runway, noting that the Tinubu administration was committed to ensuring that rural and semi-urban communities experience the dividends of governance.
"For the first time, many of these communities are seeing government presence in practical terms. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities," he said.
Wike disclosed that another major infrastructure milestone would be recorded on Monday with the commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu, designed to improve access to potable water in satellite towns.
Expressing optimism about the pace of development in the territory, the minister said Abuja would witness even greater transformation before the end of the administration's first term. "I am confident that before the end of your administration's first term, Abuja will be completely transformed. In your first year alone, you have demonstrated an uncommon commitment to both the city and the satellite towns," he said.
Project Details
In his project overview, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the road network comprises Collector Road CN2 and Important Local Street 5 (ILS5), with a combined length of approximately 3.9 kilometres. He explained that the project includes underground stormwater drainage systems, potable water pipelines, sewer networks, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered street lighting, walkways and green areas.
Dauda said the road would significantly improve connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and adjoining districts while opening up new areas for residential and commercial development. "It provides critical links to Yemi Osinbajo Way and Wole Soyinka Way, both of which connect directly to the Outer Northern Expressway," he said.
Also speaking, Deputy Managing Director of CGC Nigeria Limited, Fan Xiaojing, described the project as "a promise fulfilled", noting that the district had suffered severe access challenges before the commencement of construction seven months ago. He said the completion of the road had already triggered increased investment and development activities in the area.
"If you want development, build the road first. Throughout the construction phase, we witnessed development following directly behind our equipment. Investors moved in, land development accelerated and businesses positioned themselves to take advantage of the new opportunities," he said.
In her vote of thanks, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended President Tinubu, Wike, the National Assembly, engineers, contractors, security agencies and community leaders for their contributions to the successful delivery of the project. She described the road as another demonstration of the administration's commitment to using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved quality of life.
The commissioning of the Katampe road network forms part of a broader infrastructure drive by the FCT Administration, which has delivered a series of roads, bridges, housing and public utility projects across Abuja as the Federal Government seeks to deepen the impact of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
