President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday showered praise on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor has lived up to expectations in transforming Abuja through massive infrastructure development.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and other road networks in Katampe District, said Wike’s performance had validated the confidence reposed in him to reposition the nation’s capital.
“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track records. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr. President,” Tinubu said.
“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr. Project’ for a reason.”
The President’s commendation came as the FCT Administration continued its extensive commissioning of projects delivered under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He described the newly commissioned road network as evidence of government’s commitment to restoring public confidence through visible and impactful development.
According to him, ongoing investments in infrastructure, including the installation of solar-powered streetlights across key corridors, have improved security and boosted economic activities in the capital city.
“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” he stated.
Tinubu stressed that the significance of the project goes beyond its physical structure.
“CN2 is more than concrete and asphalt. It represents hope. It demonstrates that government can deliver. It shows Nigerians that the Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into tangible results,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Wike said the road project was conceived after authorities identified a critical infrastructure gap following the completion of adjoining road networks.
“Last year, when Mr. President commissioned the Gishiri road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” the minister said.
He noted that the project has opened up the Katampe axis for significant residential and commercial development, attracting investors and stimulating economic growth.
“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” Wike stated.
The minister maintained that infrastructure development remains one of the most effective tools for job creation and economic expansion, noting that thousands of residents have benefited directly and indirectly from projects being executed across the FCT.
He also highlighted efforts by the administration to extend development to rural and satellite communities, citing the recently commissioned road linking Tungan-Madaki communities.
“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said.
Wike further disclosed that another major infrastructure milestone would be recorded on Monday with the commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu, aimed at improving access to potable water in satellite towns.
In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the project reflects President Tinubu’s vision of using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved living standards.
She commended the President, the National Assembly, Wike, engineers, contractors and community leaders for their contributions to the successful execution of the project.
Earlier, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project comprises a 3.9-kilometre road network equipped with underground drainage systems, water pipelines, sewer infrastructure, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered streetlights, walkways and green areas.
According to him, the project will improve connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and surrounding districts while unlocking new opportunities for residential and commercial development across the area.
