PRESIDENT TINUBU HAILS FCT MINISTER

…AS HE COMMISSIONS KARSANA ROAD NETWORK TO RENEWED HOPE CITY

By: Wisdom Acka and Prudence Okonna

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the 10.5-kilometre access road network linking the Renewed Hope City and adjoining estates in Karsana West District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

President Tinubu commissioned the road Project on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, declaring that his administration is committed to completing projects that directly improve the lives of Nigerians rather than embarking on ceremonial ground-breaking events.

The President, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the newly completed infrastructure as a major milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the project would unlock thousands of affordable housing units, improve mobility, boost security and accelerate development in one of Abuja’s fast-growing districts.

“This is not a groundbreaking ceremony. This is commissioning. This is a road you can drive on today and a road you can see. We are committed to completing projects that make a difference in the lives of Nigerians,” the President said.

He noted that the road network connects Karsana West and the Renewed Hope City to the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway), making housing estates in the district more accessible, livable and attractive to residents and investors.

According to him, the roads will significantly reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, improve security through enhanced access and street lighting, and restore the dignity of residents by providing easy access to their homes.

President Tinubu recalled that during the groundbreaking ceremony for the 3,112-unit Renewed Hope City, he directed the FCT Administration to first provide the necessary engineering infrastructure to support the housing project.

“Housing without access is a blueprint without a future. For too long, Abuja became known for projects that were awarded but abandoned. We are ending that era by completing projects that people can see and use,” he stated.

The President reserved special commendation for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as “a minister who treats deadlines as duties.”

“I instructed him to open up Karsana because civil servants, families and investors cannot live in houses they cannot access. He accepted the challenge, set the pace and today he has delivered.”

He added that the transformation taking place across the FCT was visible to all.

“The difference in the FCT today is evident because you work and allow your results to speak. You have transformed neglected corridors into active development corridors. You have brought the same urgency to Karsana that you have brought to other districts. Minister, you have earned my trust and my commendation.”

President Tinubu also praised the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, the officials of the FCT Administration, engineers, mandate secretaries, consultants and contractors for ensuring that the project was completed according to specification and within schedule.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to rewarding contractors who deliver quality projects on time.

“Our agreement is simple. Government will pay promptly, and contractors must deliver quality work on schedule. Those who perform will continue to receive government patronage. We will not tolerate excuses or substandard jobs.”

The President urged residents of Karsana and surrounding communities to protect the infrastructure by preventing vandalism, illegal markets, indiscriminate parking, mechanic workshops and encroachment on road corridors.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support for infrastructure development and for ensuring prompt budget approvals and funding that made timely project execution possible.

He recalled that when he first visited the site in 2024 during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Renewed Hope City, the area lacked access roads and basic infrastructure.

“Today, the story has changed completely. What was once inaccessible has become one of the fastest-developing districts in the FCT.”

The Minister attributed the successful completion of the project to President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development, the prompt release of funds and the cooperation of the National Assembly.

He commended Lubrik Construction Company Limited for completing the project within the agreed timeline, noting that delayed payment was no longer an excuse for poor performance.

“When government fulfils its obligation by paying contractors promptly, contractors must also fulfil theirs by delivering quality work on time.”

Wike also defended the administration’s record on infrastructure development, stating that no previous administration had simultaneously executed projects on such a scale in both Abuja city centre and the satellite towns.

He assured residents that the FCT Administration would continue expanding infrastructure across the territory, announcing that the construction of another road project would be flagged off on July 8.

The Minister further praised the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), explaining that retaining a career civil servant in the position had enhanced professionalism, accountability and efficiency in project delivery.

Presenting the scope of work, the Acting Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr Richard Dauda, said the project which was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited in February 2025, comprises three arterial roads—M40, N11 and N16—and one Special Important Local Street (SILS 03), all provided for in the Abuja Master Plan.

According to him, the project covers 10.5 kilometres of roads, including 4.37 kilometres of the M40, 2.75 kilometres of N11, 2.2 kilometres of N16 and approximately 1.1 kilometres of SILS 03 leading directly into the Renewed Hope City.

He added that the works include asphalt-paved carriageways, dual carriageways on the local street, more than 11.6 kilometres of drainage channels, nine box culverts, seven pipe culverts, solar-powered streetlights, landscaping and other supporting infrastructure.