FCT INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT: WIKE’S SENSE OF URGENCY RECOGNISED ACROSS NIGERIA – PRESIDENT TINUBU

… Inaugurates Major Road in Dakibiyu

By: Wisdom Acka and Gyang Dakwo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, for his strong commitment to the development of the FCT, saying that the Minister’s sense of urgency in driving infrastructural development is well recognised across Nigeria.

The President made the commendation during the project commissioning of Collector Road CN-8, also known as Asuquo Okon, and other connecting roads in Dakibiyu  District on Tuesday July 1st, 2025.

President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasised the significance of the new network of roads, adding that they represent his administration’s commitment to the country’s growth and urban development.

He described the road project as a “vital artery that will open up the district and breathe new life into our Federal Capital Territory,” and added that the commissioning was a clear demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action.

President Tinubu also said the commissioning represents a shared responsibility to build a Nigeria where infrastructure drives prosperity, where good roads foster unity, and where all citizens feel the real impact of governance. He assured that the Federal Government remains fully committed to supporting the FCT with favourable policies and necessary backing to advance its growth.

Assuring the people that his agenda was about reality and action, the President further stressed: “For far too long, inadequate infrastructure has choked the aspirations of these areas. Today, we tear down that wall. Today, we breathe life into communities long waiting to be seen, waiting to be served.

“This is what we mean when we speak of Renewed Hope. Not lofty rhetoric, but practical impact. Not policy for the sake of politics, but policy translated into progress.

“This is Renewed Hope poured into concrete and paved across kilometers. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our vision for Abuja is not limited to its glittering center. We are equally committed to its outskirts, to its margins, to its hidden corners where dreams often struggle to break.

“Every road we build, every bridge we complete, every community we connect is a firm step towards a more inclusive, more equitable Nigeria,” he assured.

In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for honouring the event despite the rainfall. He thanked the President for his unwavering support toward the transformation of the nation’s capital.

The FCT Minister said the road project became necessary after he noticed its poor condition during a visit to the construction site of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. According to him, the state of the road was not befitting of Abuja’s status as the capital city of Nigeria.

He explained that the project was awarded in September 2024 and flagged off in October 2024, with an initial completion period of 15 months. However, the project was completed ahead of schedule.

In a vote of thanks, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, corroborated Barrister Wike, saying that the entire FCT Administration was deeply thankful to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to inclusive infrastructural development in FCT and Nigeria, at large.

She also thanked Vice President Shettima for his dedication to the development of the territory.

Dr Mahmoud also praised the FCT Minister, describing him as a “tireless leader” who has been leading from the front in the drive to develop the capital city. She also extended gratitude to the residents of Dakibiyu and the wider FCT community for their support, stating that the new road will significantly boost social and economic activities in the area and across the FCT.

Dr. Mahmoud extended  gratitude to the staff of FCTA for their “dedication, professionalism and expertise,” as well as every other person who contributed to the success of the project.

In a project overview, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engineer Richard Dauda, said the road project was conceived in September 2024 as part of the FCTA’s mandate to improve infrastructure across the territory.

He said the Collector Road CN8, along with the connecting roads, will serve as a key link between Utako, Jabi, Wuye, and Dakibiyu districts, thereby easing movement and promoting economic activity.

Engineer Dauda noted that the project features a six-lane main road and two-lane connecting roads, complete with stormwater drains, communication ducts, water pipelines, and other supporting infrastructure. Abuja digest reports that the construction firm delivered the project within eight months, ahead of the 15-month deadline, crediting this achievement to the support provided by the management of the FCTA and FCDA