2ND RUNWAY ACCESS ROAD’LL CONNECT NINE COMMUNITIES, BOOST FARMING, ECONOMY -WIKE

By: Wisdom Acka

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has said that the access road to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport’s second runway will also connect nine communities in the Tungan Madaki settlement.

The Minister stated this during the flag-off of the seven-kilometer access road, off Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, on Monday, 29th September 2025.

He recalled that the project was a fulfillment of a promise made to the communities by President Bola Tinubu to connect them and open up the area for development.

His words: “It is quite unfair that they are releasing their land for a second runway, yet they have no access to even go to the airport. It does not make sense.

“Of course, you know that because aviation also has to do with security, I had to take this matter to Mr. President, and Mr. President said, ‘Whatever the settlement asks for, give it to them.’

“Today, the 29th of September 2025, we are here, to the glory of God, to fulfill the promise made by Mr. President to the people of Tunga Madaki settlement.

“This is the essence of the whole thing about the Renewed Hope Agenda. This road is not less than seven kilometers with four-span bridges.”

The Minister continued: “My dear good people of Tunga Madaki, this is a government—for the first time in your life—where you have come to a government, and the government said, ‘What you are looking for, the only request you have made, which is a reasonable request, we must attend to you.’

“Today, we are attending to you. What does it show? It shows you that the government of Mr. President is a listening government. It’s a government that cares for the people. It’s a government that made a promise and fulfilled the promise made,” he declared.

Wike also stated that “one good turn deserves another,” using his usual maxim. He said: “Let me also say, my dear people, one good turn deserves another. When you do for me, I do for you. When you fall for me, I fall for you. When you listen to me, I listen to you…”

The Minister revealed that the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Chairman, Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, always reminds him of the road and other projects for the people.

Endorsing him, Wike said: “I have handed over Maikalangu to you. So that when the election is held in February, by June, Mr. President will be here to inaugurate this road, and then we will all dance, and dance, and then Mr. Maikalangu will come and do the needful after the election in February 2026,” he said.

In a vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, noted that by providing an alternative access route that bypasses the airport’s second runway, the project would significantly ease traffic along Bill Clinton Drive, enhance security and convenience for airport users, as well as open up Tunga Madaki and adjoining settlements to socio-economic opportunities.

She said: “More importantly, the inclusion of a four-span bridge demonstrates the administration’s determination to ensure resilience and durability in our infrastructure, while also guaranteeing seamless connectivity for motorists and residents.”

Dr. Mahmoud commended President Bola Tinubu, saying his Renewed Hope Agenda continues to manifest in tangible projects in the Territory. She also applauded the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his “visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to infrastructural development across the Federal Capital Territory.”