PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS BWARI ROADS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN FCT

ushafa commissioning

By: Wisdom Acka, Gyang Dakwo, and Prudence Okonna

In a landmark event signalling the fulfilment of a critical infrastructure promise, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the newly constructed roads in the Bwari Area council are beyond concrete and steel and show a clear sign of his government’s intention to bring growth and development closer to the people.

The President said this on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, at the commissioning of the newly dualised and upgraded Ushaffa to War College/Army Checkpoint Road, along with other key link roads in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

In his words: “Beyond the concrete and asphalt, beyond the tar and steel, this project, like the others we have commissioned across the nation, is a tangible expression of his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.”

President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering projects that have a real impact on communities.

He said the road infrastructure in Bwari is part of broader efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to open up neglected areas, enhance mobility, and drive inclusive development across the country.

The President added that the project is a major boost for infrastructure in the FCT, signaling more than just ease of movement as it opens doors to opportunity, connects communities, and reflects a leadership that matches words with action.

He highlighted the importance of the project, saying: “These dualized and upgraded roads will not only ease traffic congestion but also breathe new life into economic activities, improve access to education and healthcare, and uplift the overall quality of life for the good people of Ushafa, Bwari, and the neighboring communities

A particularly proud moment in the President’s speech was the announcement that the entire project was executed by an indigenous contractor, underscoring the administration’s belief in local capacity and job creation.

“We are not just building roads, we are building capacity, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of pride within our communities. The Nigerian spirit is alive, capable, and ready to deliver excellence.” He affirmed.

“This entire project was awarded to an indigenous contractor, and that decision by the FCT Administration was deliberate. It was born out of our belief in the competence, resilience, and ingenuity of Nigerian professionals and businesses.

“We are not just building roads; we are building capacity. We are creating jobs. We are fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities.

“And, above all, we are demonstrating unequivocally that, given the right support and enabling environment, Nigerian contractors can deliver infrastructure that rivals the best in the world,” he stated.

The President commended the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for extending development beyond Abuja’s city center and pledged that no part of the FCT would be relegated, adding that development must be all-encompassing.

“This commissioning is, therefore, not just a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It is a call to action. It is an invitation to all Nigerians to join the joy of this day and, more importantly, to join hands with us in building a Nigeria where every community is connected, every business thrives, and every citizen enjoys a life of dignity and opportunity,” he said.

The FCT Minister, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the President and Vice President, thanking them for their support to the FCT Administration.

“You showed me support to do my work, I do not take it for granted”, he said.

Barr. Wike said this was the first time a sitting president had consistently identified with satellite towns such as Kwali and Bwari, and recounted urging President Tinubu to visit rural communities, which has now been fulfilled

“This is the first time a sitting President, a Vice President, will go to the satellite towns to identify with them, to tell the people in the satellite towns, as we are doing for the city, so also we care for you.”

Barrister Wike disclosed that the network of roads totalled 16.4 kilometers, and extends to Ushafa Village, emphasising the importance of infrastructure in opening up rural areas.

He also expressed satisfaction with the contractor’s performance. “I have visited this site over 15 times. I don’t joke with roads. I verified the contractor before awarding the job. We must encourage local contractors and build our own,” he said, commending the STDD Coordinator and Abdulval Construction for a job well done.

Giving the vote of thanks, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, thanked the President for his visionary leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda that continued to inspire meaningful changes.

She also thanked the President for ensuring that all parts of the FCT were not being left behind in development.

According to her, anyone driving the road would not be able to differentiate between the capital city and the satellite towns.

Dr. Mahmoud also thanked the Vice President, FCT Minister and every other stakeholder who contributed to the success of the project.

Also, the Saterlite Town Development Department (STDD) Coordinator, Abdulkadir  Zulkiflu, while thanking the President and Minister for bringing development to the people of Ushafa, highlighted the scope of the project, including earthworks, walkways, pavements, and solar-powered street lighting, and reaffirmed the department’s dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

 “This road brings meaningful development to Ushafa and adjoining communities,” he stated.