President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to consistently meet their civic obligations, warning that tax compliance and payment of ground rents are critical to sustaining ongoing infrastructure development across Abuja.
Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday during the commissioning of the full scope development of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in Dape District.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said government cannot sustain large-scale infrastructure delivery without responsible citizenship.
“To the residents and business owners enjoying this transformation, I urge you to meet your obligations. Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents. Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one,” he said.
He described the newly completed road as a major economic corridor that would ease congestion, improve mobility and unlock investment opportunities within the capital city.
Recalling earlier phases of the project, Tinubu noted that his administration had followed through on its commitment to complete the road network from Gwarinpa I District to Dape.
“On that day, we made a pledge to you. We promised not to leave this vital artery half-done. Because the Renewed Hope Agenda is not about abandoned projects; it is about delivery from start to finish,” he said.
“And so today, we are back. We are back to close the circle. We are back to commission the Dape District Section of Arterial Road N5, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III,” he added.
The President stressed that the project was fully conceived, funded and executed under his administration, adding that it was delivered within a 15-month timeline by Julius Berger Plc.
“We conceived it, we funded it, and we delivered it. In the past, projects like this became permanent budget lines ten, fifteen years of excuses. Not under this administration,” Tinubu declared.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the administration’s “engine of execution,” while also praising the contractor for timely delivery.
“Minister Wike, you and your team have shown what happens when political will meets accountability. We fund projects to see results, not to listen to grammar,” he said.
Tinubu explained that the N5 corridor would significantly reduce travel time across key districts including Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado, Idu and Mbora, while also improving access to the Idu Industrial District.
“Beyond that, this road opens a direct gateway to the Idu Industrial District. That means lower logistics costs for businesses, new investment, and more jobs for our people,” he stated.
He also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to protect public infrastructure and prevent vandalism, particularly of drainage systems and streetlights.
Earlier, Wike said the commissioning marked the second day of a 31-day project inauguration programme to celebrate the third year of the Tinubu administration.
“On June 24, 2024, when we had the first-year anniversary of Mr. President, we took nine days of commissioning of projects. In the second year anniversary, we took 19 days. To the glory of God, in this third year, we are touching 31 days of commissioning of projects,” he said.
Wike credited Tinubu’s political backing for the pace of development in the FCT, insisting that satellite towns were now benefitting from long-awaited infrastructure.
“For the first time, development has been taken to the satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory. This is unprecedented,” he stated.
He also defended the administration’s handling of compensation for affected property owners, insisting that due process was followed.
“We paid. If you are saying that because you are from that place and development has passed and government did not dash you money, we don’t dash money when we are carrying out development,” he said.
Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a key milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda, praising the leadership driving infrastructure expansion across Abuja.
The newly commissioned road is expected to ease traffic, boost commercial activity and strengthen connectivity across the Federal Capital Territory.
