By Becky Momodu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the construction of two major road projects in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth and improved living standards.
The projects, launched on Tuesday, include the construction of two service carriageways along the Southern Parkway from Arterial Road S20 to Ring Road II in Gaduwa District, and the construction of Collector Road CO1 in the Institution and Research District, linking the Nile University axis to Ring Road III.
Represented at both ceremonies by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, President Tinubu described the projects as strategic investments under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at enhancing mobility, reducing congestion and supporting economic development in the nation’s capital.
Speaking at the flag-off of the Southern Parkway service carriageways, the President said the project would complete the original design of one of Abuja’s most important transportation corridors and ease traffic challenges affecting residents of Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa, Duboyi and surrounding communities.
He noted that the main carriageway, now known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, had already been completed and commissioned, adding that the additional service lanes would improve traffic flow, shorten travel times and lower transportation costs for businesses and commuters.
According to him, the project forms part of a broader infrastructure renewal programme that has delivered several landmark projects across the FCT, including the N20 Corridor, the N16 Interchange connecting Jahi and Gwarimpa, and road networks in Kuje, Gwagwalada and Mabushi.
At the second event in the Institution and Research District, President Tinubu described the Collector Road CO1 project as a strategic investment that would support education, innovation, legal practice and economic growth.
He said the road would provide improved access to universities, research institutions, legal establishments and innovation hubs, thereby strengthening Abuja’s position as a centre for knowledge and research.
“The Institution and Research District was conceived as the intellectual heart of Abuja. This road will improve connectivity and support the growth of a knowledge-driven economy,” the President said.
Tinubu also stated that the project complements the already completed road corridor linking the Body of Benchers, Nile University and Baze University, which is expected to be commissioned as part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing inherited projects while initiating new developments capable of delivering long-term economic and social benefits.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exceptional leadership and project delivery, noting that Abuja has become a major construction hub under his stewardship.
Tinubu also praised the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, as well as officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority for ensuring quality supervision of projects across the territory.
He urged residents to cooperate with contractors and traffic management officials during construction, assuring that temporary inconveniences would yield lasting benefits.
The President further directed contractors handling the projects to adhere strictly to quality standards and timelines while creating employment opportunities and promoting skills transfer for Nigerian youths.
He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, maintaining that ongoing reforms were laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous nation.
The two road projects are expected to significantly improve transportation, enhance urban connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the Federal Capital Territory.