PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS KUJE-GWAGWALADA DUAL CARRIAGEWAY

…APPEALS FOR PATIENCE WITH REFORMS

By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending development to rural and satellite communities, declaring that no community in the country will be left behind under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the declaration on Tuesday, June 24, 2026, during the commissioning of the first phase of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Describing the project as a critical economic and security corridor, Tinubu said the road would transform the lives of residents, farmers, traders, students and businesses across Kuje, Gwagwalada and neighbouring communities.

“For decades, this road was a death trap. Traders lost time and goods, farmers struggled to move their produce to markets, and criminal activity thrived due to poor access. That story ends today,” the President said.

He noted that the newly completed seven-kilometre dual carriageway represents more than a transportation project.

“It is security. It is commerce. It is dignity. It is an economic corridor linking Abuja to three area councils and providing an alternative route to southern Nigeria,” he said.

Tinubu said the project had unlocked the agricultural potential of the area, opened up new residential layouts and improved safety for residents travelling at all hours.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for ensuring that development reaches communities beyond Abuja’s city centre.

“When I appointed him, I gave him a simple instruction: make Abuja work for all Nigerians, not just those living in Maitama and Asokoro. He has taken development to the grassroots and demonstrated that development must not be selective,” he said.

President Tinubu also appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of his administration’s reform agenda, acknowledging the challenges many citizens have faced as a result of ongoing economic reforms.

“I know the reforms have been tough. The hard choices we are making today are necessary for a stronger tomorrow,” he said.

The President assured Nigerians that the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda were gradually taking shape across the country, noting that infrastructure projects such as the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway were evidence of the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.

He urged citizens not to lose faith in the country, stressing that no community would be neglected under his leadership.

The President also urged residents to protect public infrastructure, avoid vandalism and support government efforts through compliance with tax and ground rent obligations.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the project emerged from extensive consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth groups across the six area councils following the inauguration of the current administration in August 2023.

According to him, community stakeholders identified poor road infrastructure as a major contributor to insecurity and economic hardship in the area.

Wike recalled that traditional rulers had appealed to the administration to rehabilitate abandoned roads and improve connectivity to farming communities.

“We did not sit in our offices to determine what the people needed. We went to the communities, listened to them and acted on their priorities. This road is a fulfilment of a promise made to the people,” he said.

The minister explained that the poor state of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road had hindered security operations and made the transportation of agricultural produce extremely difficult.

He said despite concerns over funding, the administration proceeded with the project because of its strategic importance to economic growth and rural development.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda is not a slogan. It is a reality. We are restoring hope to communities that had long been neglected,” Wike stated.

He disclosed that the first phase of the project had been completed while the second phase is expected to be delivered by December 2026.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another milestone in the administration’s efforts to improve mobility and stimulate economic development across the territory.

She said the road would strengthen connectivity among communities, enhance commercial activities and create new opportunities for residents of Kuje, Chibiri, Kiyi and Gwagwalada.

“This project is a clear demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action. It will improve movement, support economic growth and enhance the quality of life of our people,” she said.

In his technical presentation, the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, disclosed that the project was awarded on February 28, 2025, to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited.

He explained that the first phase consists of a 7-kilometre road, with two lanes in each direction, stretching from the LEA Secretariat axis to Kiyi Village.

According to him, the project includes side drains, culverts, asphalt pavement, a bridge, kerbs and solar-powered street lighting.

Zulkiflu said the second phase would be completed by December 2026.

He added that the road would significantly improve access to farming settlements, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, reduce travel time and stimulate economic activities across the area.