By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
President Bola Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, for revitalizing the capital city through the implementation of high-quality infrastructure projects.
Tinubu extended his appreciation to Wike and his team for successfully completing the Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road One, a project that had been stagnant for 13 years. The President also commended Wike and his team for their unwavering dedication to common values.
The President commended the structural and administrative transformations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), noting that they have yielded positive outcomes and resonated with the Nigerian populace. He affectionately referred to the FCT minister as “our esteemed landlord” and expressed his gratitude for breathing new life into the FCT.
In celebration of his first year in office, President Tinubu expressed both joy and the challenge of the monumental task ahead. He acknowledged that the Southern Parkway project had been neglected for over a decade before his administration took charge of its completion.
Tinubu emphasized that the Southern Parkway signifies not just a road system but also a collective vision for progress. He emphasized that the road will not only facilitate transportation but also enhance movement within the FCT, playing a pivotal role in establishing a world-class capital city.
Tinubu underscored the significance of infrastructure as a driver of economic growth and prosperity, expressing confidence in the nation’s ability to achieve these objectives. He reiterated that the welfare of citizens is of paramount importance to the government, emphasizing that by prioritizing citizen well-being, Nigeria will thrive.
Earlier, the Minister of FCT officially named the road “Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” highlighting that the project is a crucial component of the city’s development plan under the Abuja master plan. The completion of the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, marking a significant milestone after 13 years.
The road, which links the Northern Parkway of the FCT, was initially awarded in December 2010 at a contract sum of N16.2 billion but was later revised to N35.7 billion due to changes in project scope and economic factors. The FCT administration emphasized that the road will enhance traffic flow around the city center, reducing travel delays.
Upon taking office in 2023, Wike’s team faced the challenge of addressing numerous long-standing incomplete projects in the nation’s capital. President Tinubu recently inaugurated projects managed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration upon his return from Lagos, where he launched the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a pivotal 700-kilometer initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and development in rural areas.
