President Bola Tinubu yesterday inaugurated the first phase of the N18bn Inner Southern Expressway (ISEX) and Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), also known as the Goodluck Jonathan Expressway.
During the inauguration, President Tinubu described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as one of the best appointments ever made in the history of the current democratic dispensation.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described Wike as “a force of human nature,” adding, “Love him, hate him, but you can’t ignore him, because, at every point in time, he is redefining the meaning and concepts of modern leadership.
He commended Wike and his team, for their dedication and hard work in delivering many projects, including the expressway in less than one year.
Tinubu reiterated the commitment of his administration to engendering progress and prosperity.
He said that the extension of the ISEX represented more than just a road, but, symbolized connectivity, accessibility, and opportunity.
”It also signifies our unwavering determination to bridge the gap between the urban and rural areas in ensuring that development is not confined to city centres but reaches every corner of our great nation.
“We celebrate not just the completion of yet another road project by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), but also the commitment of our administration to endangering progress and prosperity.
“Today’s commission is the fourth completed road that we proudly unveiled in the Federal Capital Territory, all executed in less than one year. These roads are tangible proof of our administration’s vision for a modern, prosperous, and inclusive Federal Capital Territory.”
Tinubu assured that in the coming months and years, his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure development as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We remain committed to delivering on our promises, empowering our people, and building a nation that we can all be proud of,” he said.
*Wike pledges completion of 2nd phase of Goodluck Jonathan Way
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Wike, has assured President Tinubu that the second phase of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway would be completed in no distant time.
The Minister explained that the first phase of the project was awarded to Salini Nigeria Ltd in 2010 at N17bn, and revised to N18bn in 2023, adding that the sum was fully paid.
He said that the project was completed based on Tinubu’s directive that all ongoing projects must be completed in line with his administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
He explained that the second phase of the project, which was ongoing, was awarded by the previous administration to CGC at N91bn with 10 bridges.
“I can assure you that by the grace of God, we are going to complete the project because it is very key and will change the landscape of Abuja if completed. The project is also very critical to the development of Abuja city,” he said.
The Minister also informed Tinubu that the first phase of the renovation of the Federal Secretariat Complex, which was awarded by the previous administration, had been completed.
He also said that the renovation of the National Assembly was also completed, adding that the current administration had also awarded the contracts for the second phase of rehabilitation of the complex.
He equally said that Abuja city was wearing a new look because of completed road resurfacing, projects covering more than 117 kilometres (km) across Asokoro, Wuse, Maitama, Garki, Wuye, and other districts.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said that the project would enhance transportation efficiency, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life of Abuja residents.
Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, explained that the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Way stretched from Mogadishu Barrack to Kuje axis, covering about 36 kilometres.
Ahmad said that the section of the road that was inaugurated covered 3.5 kilometres from Outer Southern Expressway to the intersection at Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, formerly Southern Parkway.
“The Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway (Inner Southern Expressway) provides a rapid east-west movement on the southern flank of the city, which links the Abuja – Keffi Road.
“The second phase of the project, which is an ongoing contract, currently being executed by CGC, would terminate around Ring Road II, popularly called Galadimawa Roundabout covering 11km,” he said.
The inauguration of the extension of the Inner Southern Expressway (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Expressway), was the sixth in a row of projects inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.
The projects inaugurated so far included the Southern Parkway named after Bola Tinubu, the commercial operation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System, and the Wuye Interchange Bridge.
Other projects inaugurated by Tinubu were the Outer Southern Expressway to Ring Road I and the Arterial N-20 Road, named after Prof Wole Soyinka.
