By Ben Adoga, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday described the remodelled Abuja City Gate as a symbol of the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), commending Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for what he called his relentless drive to restore the prestige, beauty and functionality of Nigeria’s capital city.
The President said the rebirth of the iconic monument reflects the broader urban renewal agenda currently reshaping Abuja through massive investments in roads, public infrastructure and environmental improvements.
Represented by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the commissioning of the remodelled City Gate in Abuja, the President said the upgraded structure now compares favourably with notable landmarks and gateways in major cities worldwide.
“This City Gate can proudly stand side by side with notable gateways and public monuments in many cities around the world,” Tinubu said.
He praised Wike for leading what he described as an unprecedented transformation of the nation’s capital, noting that the administration’s interventions are changing both the image and functionality of Abuja.
“I commend the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for remodelling this monument and for your relentless dedication to transforming the general ambience of the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
The President noted that beyond the City Gate project, several road projects are being constructed and expanded while public spaces and critical infrastructure are receiving renewed attention across the capital city and satellite towns.
According to him, the pace of project delivery under the current administration demonstrates the impact of purposeful leadership backed by clear vision and execution.
“When you share a vision with a man of action, you see results. Minister Wike, you have proven once again to be a true driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tinubu stated.
He added that the ongoing projects were helping to reposition Abuja as a world-class capital city that reflects Nigeria’s status and aspirations.
“These efforts are contributing to the transformation of Abuja into a capital city that every Nigerian can truly be proud of, in line with our vision to build a nation that works for its people through purposeful leadership, modern infrastructure, sustainable development and improved quality of life,” he added.
The President also urged residents to protect public infrastructure and preserve national assets, describing the City Gate as a monument of national pride and the first impression many visitors have of Nigeria’s capital.
In his remarks, Wike disclosed that the remodelling project was initiated following observations and recommendations made by the First Lady after her travels to several countries.
According to him, Senator Oluremi Tinubu questioned why Abuja’s gateway could not reflect the status of the nation’s capital and challenged the FCT Administration to act.
“Your Excellency called me and asked, ‘Is this how other city gates around the world look? Is there no way you can beautify this place so that anybody coming into Abuja will know they are entering the capital city of a great country?” Wike recalled.
The minister admitted that, despite having previously served in government, he had never paid serious attention to the monument’s strategic importance.
“Governments came and went, and nobody thought seriously about it. But once the First Lady raised the issue, we knew we had to act immediately,” he said.
Wike disclosed that the Federal Capital Development Authority subsequently engaged the original designers and builders of the structure to undertake the remodelling work.
He said the contract was awarded in November 2025 and completed in July 2026, and he commended the contractors for delivering the project on schedule.
The minister described the project as part of a broader effort to restore abandoned infrastructure and improve the aesthetics of the Federal Capital Territory.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the remodelled City Gate as a visible symbol of the Renewed Hope transformation currently underway across Abuja.
She commended President Tinubu for his support for infrastructure development and praised the First Lady for her commitment to initiatives that improve Nigerians’ quality of life.
Mahmoud said the project represents more than physical infrastructure, describing it as evidence of the administration’s determination to restore the prestige and identity of Nigeria’s capital city.
For residents and visitors alike, the remodelled Abuja City Gate now stands not only as an entry point into the nation’s capital but as a visible statement of the infrastructure renaissance unfolding across Abuja under the Tinubu administration.
