By Ben Adoga, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday declared that his administration’s ongoing infrastructure drive in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is rebuilding public confidence in government, saying sustained investment in roads and other critical projects is restoring hope and transforming the nation’s capital.
The President asserted while inaugurating the interchange linking Arterial Road N16 with Ring Road II, connecting the Jahi and Gwarinpa districts of Abuja. The project is one of several major infrastructure schemes commissioned in the FCT under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu said the transformation unfolding across Abuja demonstrates his administration’s determination to improve residents’ quality of life while laying a solid foundation for economic growth.
“Abuja is changing. One interchange at a time, one road at a time, we are rebuilding trust and restoring hope. Together, we will build a country where every citizen can move freely, live safely and prosper,” he said.
The President recalled that the Jahi-Gwarinpa corridor had for years suffered severe traffic congestion, resulting in wasted person-hours, fuel losses and disruptions to commercial activities.
“This intersection used to choke Abuja. Gridlock stretched from Maitama to Gishiri, from Jahi to Gwarinpa. Hours were lost, fuel was wasted, and businesses were delayed.
“Today, that story ends. This interchange opens up critical districts of the FCT and connects them smoothly to the rest of the territory,” he added.
Tinubu described infrastructure as the backbone of national development, stressing that improved road networks stimulate commerce, attract investment and create opportunities for citizens.
“Infrastructure is the foundation of prosperity. Roads are the arteries of a nation. When we connect districts, we connect destinies. That is the logic of the Renewed Hope Agenda: build the roads, unlock the economy and let Nigerians thrive. The Jahi/Gwarinpa Interchange is proof that Nigeria is not beyond redemption,” he stated.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for sustaining the pace of infrastructure development across Abuja.
“Nigerians can see it, critics can see it, and residents feel it in their daily lives. Well done,” he said.
Responding, Wike said the completion of the project reflects Tinubu’s belief that government is a continuum, noting that although the contract was awarded shortly before the President assumed office, his administration ensured that funds were released for its execution.
“Mr President, you have shown that government is a continuum. It doesn’t matter who awarded the project. What is important is to complete it for the betterment and development of society. That is what differentiates this administration from previous ones,” the Minister said.
Wike also dismissed claims by African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and former Senate President, David Mark, that the Federal Government was concentrating only on road construction while Nigerians grapple with economic hardship.
Describing the allegation as misleading, the Minister pointed to other critical projects, including the recently commissioned Karu Water Supply Network and another water project scheduled for inauguration in Bwari next month.
“Let me say that it is not correct that we are only doing roads. It is not correct,” Wike said.
He argued that while critics acknowledge the administration’s road infrastructure achievements, they deliberately ignore ongoing investments in water supply, education and other sectors aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
Taking a swipe at David Mark, Wike questioned the former Senate President’s development record during his eight-year tenure, saying he failed to attract comparable infrastructure either to his home state or elsewhere in the country.
Earlier, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the interchange as a strategic investment that will significantly reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion and improve access to commercial centres across the capital.
She said the project would facilitate the movement of people and goods while supporting the demands of Abuja’s rapidly expanding population.
Also speaking, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, said the interchange forms part of the 7.25-kilometre Arterial Road N16 project awarded in May 2023.
According to him, the Maitama and Katampe sections have already been completed and commissioned, while construction is progressing on the remaining stretch to Ring Road III, which will further strengthen Abuja’s transportation network and support the implementation of the city’s master plan.
