President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, for his exceptional delivery of infrastructure projects in Abuja, despite not being a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 and its adjoining roads in the Katampe District of the FCT, Tinubu highlighted Wike’s performance as a model of effective governance.
“We have somebody in Nyesom Wike. He’s not a member of my party, not yet, but the day he changes his mind and registers with the progressives, we will welcome him, because we enjoy him in singing, ‘as e dey pain them, e dey sweet us,’” the President said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
The high-profile event, attended by lawmakers, former governors, traditional rulers, and diplomats, marked the official inauguration of Arterial Road N16. The road connects Shehu Shagari Way (Ring Road 1) to Wole Soyinka Way (Arterial Road N20), and includes a newly completed interchange and key supporting infrastructure in Katampe.
Tinubu commended the road project’s completion under Wike’s leadership, noting its transformation from a long-abandoned corridor to a key component of Abuja’s Master Plan.
“This project represents more than a stretch of asphalt,” Tinubu said. “It affirms our commitment to urban transformation under our Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He emphasized that since assuming office in May 2023, his administration has championed reform and regeneration, with visible outcomes now materialising across key sectors.
“Today, we’ve seen tangible proof of that philosophy in action,” the President said. “What was once missing as a link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure.”
Describing infrastructure as essential to Nigeria’s development, Tinubu noted that the road would ease congestion in Central Abuja, improve connectivity to emerging districts like Katampe and Jahi, and drive residential and commercial growth.
“Infrastructure is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity,” he said. “There is no way industrialisation will flourish without good roads.”
The President also thanked the communities affected by the project, clarifying that their land was not forcefully taken.
“They told me how cooperative you were. You were relocated, not that we grabbed the land,” he said.
He praised the FCT Administration for ensuring peaceful resettlement and adequate compensation, and extended gratitude to traditional rulers and residents for their understanding.
Tinubu lauded Wike’s leadership, stressing that the success of such a project hinged on collective effort.
“The Honorable Minister could not achieve this alone without your collaboration. You have proved that teamship is the hallmark of good leadership,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to nationwide development, the President said efforts would continue in building roads, power, rail, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure.
“The road belongs to the community and citizens of Abuja and us as the federal government. I urge you to protect it and use it wisely. The government has played its part. We did not ignore it. We did not worry about protest,” Tinubu stated.
