PRESIDENT TINUBU FLAGS OFF STRATEGIC COLLECTOR ROAD IN ABUJA’S RESEARCH DISTRICT
… Praises wike’s infrastructure drive
By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu flagged off the construction of Collector Road C01 from the Nile University axis to Ring Road III in Abuja’s Institution and Research District, describing the project as a critical investment in education, innovation and urban connectivity under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The president flagged off the project on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Represented by the National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, the president said the road project, which forms the second phase of the district’s development, is designed to connect universities, research centres, legal institutions and residential communities within the rapidly expanding educational corridor of the Federal Capital City.
He explained that the road would serve as more than a transportation corridor, noting that it would strengthen links between learning, research, justice and economic development.
“To the university community, this road is more than a route; it is a connection between learning, law and the future of our capital. The Institutional and Research District was conceived as the intellectual heart of Abuja, and infrastructure such as this is essential to unlocking its full potential,” he said.
President Tinubu noted that the project would improve access for students, lecturers, researchers, lawyers and residents, reduce travel time, ease congestion and create direct connectivity to Ring Road III and neighbouring districts.
According to him, the project is a continuation of the administration’s commitment to completing ongoing infrastructure initiatives while embarking on new projects that support national development.
“The first phase connecting the Body of Benchers Road, Nile University and Baze University has been completed and is ready for commissioning. Today, we begin the next phase to complete the loop. That is how cities are built — through continuity, planning and purposeful execution,” he stated.
The APC National Chairman also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his exceptional dedication to transforming Abuja through visible and impactful projects.
“You have demonstrated uncommon energy and commitment. Street by street and district by district, the transformation of Abuja under your watch is bold, visible and worthy of commendation. The FCT has become a delivery centre for infrastructure development,” he said.
He further urged the contractors handling the project to engage local youths and artisans, transfer technical skills and ensure that the construction process contributes to economic empowerment within host communities.
Earlier, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, said the project was initiated in response to concerns raised by the Body of Benchers over traffic challenges experienced during Call-to-Bar ceremonies and other activities within the area.
Wike disclosed that the first phase of the road, which links the Body of Benchers complex, had already been completed and would soon be commissioned.
“Our attention was drawn to the traffic difficulties experienced during Call-to-Bar ceremonies. The Chairman of the Body of Benchers appealed to the FCT Administration to address the situation, and we responded. We have completed that phase, and today we are continuing the work to ensure there are no longer traffic bottlenecks in this corridor,” he said.
The Minister reassured residents that political activities ahead of the next election cycle would not slow down the administration’s development agenda.
“Whether politics is around the corner or not, we will continue to work and fulfil every promise made to the people. No project will be abandoned. Mr President has given a clear directive that all ongoing projects must be completed,” he stated.
Wike revealed that the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), had assured the administration that the project would be completed by January 2027.
He praised the company for its consistent performance on major infrastructure projects in the FCT, including recently completed road projects commissioned within record time.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr Richard Dauda who gave an overview of the project, said the six-kilometre road would extend from Nile University to Ring Road III and include the dualisation of the existing section between Baze University Junction and Nile University.
He explained that the scope of work includes earthworks, drainage systems, construction of eight box and pipe culverts, two bridges, asphalt pavement and street lighting.
According to him, the project will open up the Institution and Research District for accelerated development while improving access to several strategic facilities, including the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s 330KVA Mega Substation, the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant, the National Power Institute and the Defence Intelligence Agency facilities.
