By Becky Momodu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is a reflection of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging sustained investment in infrastructure across cities, satellite towns and rural communities nationwide.
The President made the declaration on Wednesday during the commissioning of Collector Road C01 and a bridge linking the Body of Benchers, Nile University and Baze University in Abuja’s Institution and Research District.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described the project as another fulfilled promise of his administration, saying it demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering tangible infrastructure that improves the lives of Nigerians.
“When we came into office, we promised Renewed Hope. Today, as we stand on this newly constructed Collector Road C01, complete with its bridge, we are looking at a promise kept,” he said.
The President disclosed that work has already been flagged off to extend the corridor to Ring Road III and other parts of Abuja, noting that the expanded road network would reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between educational institutions, residential areas and commercial centres.
Tinubu said the Institution and Research District, envisioned in the Abuja Master Plan as the nation’s intellectual hub, had long suffered from inadequate infrastructure, affecting access to institutions such as the Body of Benchers, Nile University and Baze University.
He recalled that following complaints by the Body of Benchers during last year’s Nigerian Law School Call to Bar ceremony, his administration approved the project under emergency procurement to address the challenge.
According to him, the completed road has restored ease of movement, improved safety and created a more conducive environment for learning and professional development, while also generating employment opportunities during construction.
The President stressed that infrastructure remains a key driver of economic growth, saying road development opens up communities, attracts investment and stimulates national development.
Tinubu also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for delivering critical projects across the territory, describing the ongoing commissioning of infrastructure as evidence that the administration is focused on implementation rather than promises.
He urged residents, students and institutions in the district to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure, assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue investing in projects that improve connectivity and enhance economic opportunities across the country.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike attributed the pace of infrastructure delivery in the capital city to President Tinubu’s support, particularly the decision to remove the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which he said has improved access to funding for development projects.
Wike reiterated that the administration remains committed to ensuring balanced infrastructure development across all districts of the FCT, including satellite towns.
In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support for the development of the nation’s capital and commended all stakeholders involved in delivering the project.