PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS 15KM A2 JUNCTION-PAI ROAD, SAYS INFRASTRUCTURE WILL BE SPREAD ACROSS NIGERIA
…as Wike Reaffirms Commitment to Rural Development
By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured that the provision of infrastructure will be spread across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, not just in the cities but also in the rural communities.
The president gave the assurance during the commissioning of the 15-kilometre A2 Junction Road to Pai Town, Kwali Area Council, on Monday, June 24, 2025.
He lauded the project as a cornerstone for rural development and economic transformation in the Federal Capital Territory.
“Rural communities such as Pai make an important contribution to Nigeria’s social and economic fabric, especially in food production and local enterprises.
“But their potential has been hindered by poor road access, isolation, and neglect for far too long. Today, that narrative is changing.”
Stating that the road would elevate the lives of the people, President Tinubu pledged that his administration would continue to prioritize infrastructural development in all zones, and ensure that development is not lopsided, but balanced, and inclusive, targeting the uplifting of the lives of the people.
According to the President, “we will ensure that infrastructure is not lopsided but balanced across the city and rural communities”
President Tinubu also revealed the broader vision behind such infrastructural projects. “On our way here, we saw the opportunity for ranches and to uplift our people,” he stated, highlighting the potential for agricultural growth and conflict resolution through strategic development.
The president appreciated the FCT Minister and stakeholders who ensured the successful completion of the project.
President Tinubu urged the Pai Community to take ownership of the road and guard it.
His words: “This is your own, guard it, maintain it, develop it and use it to the fullest”
FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike echoed the President’s sentiments, stating that the construction of the A2 Junction road was “considered very important” in his plan to improve rural lives.
He revealed a more expansive vision, to connect the A2 Junction to Pai, Gomani, and Yangoji, totalling 45 kilometres of interconnected roads.
The Minister recalled that on the assumption of office in August 2023, the president approved the construction of six emergency roads in the nation’s capital; he therefore announced that all the roads have been fully constructed and commissioned.
Barrister Wike listed six emergency roads, approved in the 2023 supplementary budget and now fully commissioned, spanning all six Area Councils, including the 9km Paikon Kore/Ibwa Road in Gwagwalada, 5km Gaba/Tokulo road with two-span river bridge in Bwari Area Council, 5km asphalt carriageway from Garage Junction to LEA Secretariat in Kuje Area Council, the 11km Yangoji/Sukuku/Ebbo road in Kwali Area Council, 5km access road from Saburi I and II communities in AMAC and the newly commissioned 15km A2 to Pai road.
Barrister Wike also announced upcoming commissioning events for 2025, including the 10km Aguma Palace/New Market Road in Gwagwalada, the reconstructed 18km Nyanya/Karshi dual carriageway, the 7.4km Old Ushafa – Lower Usuma Dam Road, and the dualisation of the 16.4km Ushafa/War College/Army Checkpoint road set for June 26, 2025.
Barr Wike also highlighted the administration’s impressive achievement of constructing a total of 150 kilometres of roads within the satellite towns in less than two years.
He also urged farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs interested in investing to come forward, adding that the Pai Community has a vast expanse of land available for farming.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the President for his unwavering support in bringing the vision of improving the lives of FCT residents to life.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed her profound appreciation to President Tinubu, whom she described as the father of the nation for his unwavering support for the development of Nigeria
She also thanked all stakeholders who joined the FCTA at the event, acknowledging the members of the National Assembly for their support and understanding.
Dr. Mahmoud particularly lauded Minister Wike for his visionary leadership and professionalism.
While congratulating the residents of Pai, she noted that the new road serves as access to the beginning of a brighter future, healthcare, and economic development.
“Congratulations to the People of Pai, your awaited dream has become a reality.” She added.
Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD). AbdulKadir Zulkiflu highlighted the profound impact of the 15-kilometre road and expressed appreciation to the President for his crucial support, realized under the FCT Minister, which has led to the improvement of the quality of life of the People of Kwali Area Council.
He noted that contract for the project, which was awarded on September 12, 2024, involved significant site clearance and earthworks, including the construction of box culverts as well as other road accessories.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Zeberced Group, Aydin Kurt, expressed his Company’s pride in undertaking the project.
He articulated Zeberced’s commitment to national development in Nigeria, adding that the Company’s investment created at least 40,000 jobs and announced plans to establish a vocational centre capable of training at least 2,000 young Nigerians.
The Traditional Ruler of Pai, HRH Alh. Sani Abubakar Pai conveyed his deep gratitude to the President for appointing Barr. Wike, as FCT Minister, affirmed that He is the right person for the job.
He also shared that the new road has ‘opened up serious economic activities in the community’ and thanked the Minister for his efforts at improving the lives of his people.
