President Bola Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for changing the pace of infrastructure development in Abuja, saying his administration has brought an end to the culture of abandoned road projects.
Speaking through Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the inauguration of the newly completed Akinwumi Ajibola Street and adjoining roads in Gaduwa District on Wednesday, the President said Wike had demonstrated commitment by reviving neglected projects, ensuring contractors returned to site and providing the funding needed to complete them.
Tinubu said Wike had shifted attention beyond major highways by extending road construction to districts and satellite communities, describing the move as a major step towards inclusive development. He also applauded the minister for personally monitoring projects from start to completion, adding that the results were evident across the FCT.
The President noted that the completed road would improve access for residents, reduce travel time, enhance property values and ease transportation within Gaduwa. He also urged residents to protect public infrastructure by keeping drainage channels free of refuse and preventing the vandalism of streetlights and other facilities.
Meanwhile, Wike warned the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Christopher Maikalangu, against assigning names to roads built by the Federal Government without obtaining the necessary approval.
The minister explained that although local government councils have the responsibility of naming streets, federal projects remain under the authority of the Federal Government. He cautioned council officials against using federally funded infrastructure for revenue generation or political recognition.
Wike said the inauguration formed part of the FCT Administration’s 31-day project commissioning programme marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration. He added that the President had directed that infrastructure development should reach all districts and satellite towns, noting that communities including Kwali, Jahi-Gwarinpa, Katampe and Guzape had already benefited.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the Gaduwa road project as another milestone in the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure across the nation’s capital under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
