RELIEF COMES TO KUBWA AS PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISSIONS RECONSTRUCTED ARAB/GBAZANGO ROAD

…31-Day FCT Projects Commissioning Exercise Concludes

By: Wisdom Acka

Residents of Kubwa and adjoining communities have received a major boost in transportation infrastructure as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially commissioned the reconstructed Arab/Gbazango Road, bringing to a close the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) 31-day project commissioning exercise.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Friday in Bwari Area Council, marked the conclusion of a month-long rollout of completed infrastructure projects across the FCT. President Tinubu, who was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described the project as a clear demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s commitment to translating government policies into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

The President recalled that the road had long been characterized by deep potholes and persistent flooding, making movement difficult for commuters and negatively affecting businesses within the area. He said its reconstruction has transformed what was once a source of frustration into a vital economic corridor that will improve mobility and stimulate commercial activities.

President Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure projects, noting that the Minister’s dedication and visionary leadership have accelerated development across the nation’s capital.

He stressed that his administration remains committed to ensuring that quality infrastructure is not limited to the city centre but extends to satellite towns and rural communities, adding that every Nigerian deserves access to the dividends of democracy irrespective of location.

According to the President, the reconstructed road will significantly reduce traffic congestion along the busy Kubwa axis by providing a safer and more efficient link to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX). He added that the project would shorten travel time, improve emergency response, enhance commercial activities and strengthen security through better accessibility and improved road infrastructure.

While applauding the contractors for delivering a durable project, President Tinubu formally handed the road over to community leaders and residents of Kubwa and Gbazango, urging them to protect the facility from vandalism and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

He further assured Nigerians that the implementation of critical infrastructure projects, including roads, schools and hospitals across the six Area Councils of the FCT, would continue in line with the administration’s development agenda.

Speaking at the event, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, announced a temporary pause in the administration’s project commissioning activities after completing a historic 31-project exercise across the territory.

The Minister disclosed that since the inauguration of President Tinubu’s administration in May 2023, the FCTA has awarded contracts for 317 kilometres of roads in satellite towns through the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), with 221 kilometres already completed, while work continues on the remaining 96 kilometres.

He explained that the figures relate only to projects executed under the STDD and do not include the extensive infrastructure projects undertaken by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) within the Abuja city centre.

According to Wike, the reconstruction of the Arab/Gbazango Road has revitalised economic activities within the community by improving accessibility and opening up new opportunities for businesses and residents.

He maintained that the essence of governance is to improve the lives of citizens, adding that the excitement and appreciation expressed by residents reflected the positive impact of people-oriented leadership.

Looking ahead, the Minister assured residents that work on other strategic road projects, including the Apo-Karshi Road would be completed before the end of 2026 to further improve connectivity across the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike also challenged critics questioning the administration’s record on satellite town infrastructure to verify the figures, stating that he would resign as Minister if anyone could prove that the reported 317 kilometres of roads awarded and 221 kilometres completed were inaccurate.

Earlier, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for infrastructure development in the Federal Capital Territory.

She described the successful completion of the 31-day project commissioning exercise as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to delivering impactful projects that improve the quality of life of residents.

Dr. Mahmoud also commended the leadership of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for driving the implementation of critical infrastructure projects across the territory. She congratulated the people of Kubwa on the completion of the road and urged them to safeguard the facility as a shared community asset that symbolises purposeful leadership and sustainable development.