FCT MINISTER FLAGS OFF ARTERIAL ROAD N20 ROAD CONSTRUCTION

…ASSURES TIMELY COMPLETION

By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has officially flagged off the construction of Arterial Road N20,( Solomon Lar Way), linking Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) to the Airport Expressway.

Barr. Wike flagged off the road construction on Thursday, September 25, 2025.

The Minister assured residents that the project would be delivered on schedule, adding that adequate funds had been secured to ensure smooth execution of the construction of Arterial Road N20.

Barr. Wike also stressed that contractors would not be left on site indefinitely without progress.

His words: “We want to assure everyone that adequate funds will be provided for the successful completion of this project. It is not our desire for contractors to remain on site indefinitely without progress; rather, we are committed to ensuring that the necessary resources are available to deliver the work on schedule.”

The Minister revealed that the FCT Administration has already embarked on school renovations and health sector interventions, and reiterated that no sector would be left untouched.

His words: “Already, we have commenced renovation of schools and are expanding interventions into the health sector. No sector will be left untouched, as the administration is determined to improve infrastructure and services across all areas”.

Barr Wike urged the Contractor to ensure the utilisation of local manpower by creating jobs for the youths, while appealing to youths and residents for cooperation.

“I appeal to our youths to give their full cooperation to ensure smooth project delivery. I also urge the contracting firm, Messrs Gilmore Nigeria Ltd, to engage local manpower and create job opportunities for our people.” The Minister said.

He also said that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, residents of Abuja can be assured that before the end of this administration’s tenure, the capital city will witness a visible transformation and will be comparable to other cities in the world.

He said: “All of us will attest to the fact that under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, we can see that the narrative has changed.

“I want to assure the residents of FCT that, by the grace of God, before the first tenure of Mr. President ends, Abuja will compete with most of the cities in the world. That is a bank draft I have given to you to go home with,” he assured.

The Minister appreciated President Tinubu for his commitment to transforming Abuja, according to him, “Through these flag-offs, Mr President is not only building infrastructure but also creating employment. We thank the President for his commitment and call on all residents to support this project for the collective progress of Abuja”.

The Acting Head of Service of the FCTA, Nancy Nathan, expressed gratitude to the President for his vision, The Renewed Hope Agenda, which she said continues to bring hope, transformation, and tangible development to the FCT and to the Minister for his quality leadership.

“This road project, when completed, will not only ease traffic flow but also improve safety and connectivity within the city. The Administration remains fully committed to delivering projects that enhance the quality of life for residents. We sincerely appreciate the host community for their cooperation and support, and we extend our thanks to all stakeholders who continue to stand by our leaders in the pursuit of a greater Abuja”. She said.

The Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Richard Dauda said the scope of the Arterial Road N20 project covers the construction of a dual carriageway consisting of three lanes on each side with an additional parking lane, making a total of eight lanes. It also includes the construction of two river bridges with four spans each, as well as a three-span dual bridge that will cross the rail lines at Kukwaba, ensuring smooth vehicular flow across critical intersections.

Engr Dauda explained that the project provides for essential infrastructure such as surface water drainage, box and pipe culverts, wastewater drainage systems, water supply distribution networks, street lighting, and telecommunication ducts. These components are designed not only to enhance road safety and efficiency but also to support long-term urban development in line with the Abuja Master Plan.

He noted that the road, when completed, will ease traffic congestion in fast-growing districts such as Jabi, Utako, Durumi, and Gudu, while providing direct access to key sector centres, including the Jabi Motor Park, the Court of Appeal, and the Abuja Rail Mass Transit corridor.