President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declared that his administration is unlocking new economic opportunities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through strategic infrastructure development, saying the newly commissioned Collector Roads 01 and 02 in Mabushi District will boost connectivity, commerce and improve the quality of life for residents.
The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration of the roads linking the Mabushi Bus Terminal to Ahmadu Bello Way, described the project as another major milestone in his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Tinubu, the road project is about more than improving transportation, insisting it represents a deliberate effort to expand economic opportunities and accelerate Abuja’s transformation.
“We are not just opening two roads. We are opening up Abuja. We are connecting people to opportunity and cutting hours of waste from daily life,” the President said.
He recalled the years of hardship residents endured due to poor road connectivity in the area, noting that the completed project would permanently ease movement across the district.
“For many years, movement in this part of the capital was a struggle. Traffic bottlenecks. Needless detours. Time lost that should have been spent at work, at school or with family. Today, that changes.”
Tinubu said the roads would enhance mobility, improve security, facilitate trade and stimulate investment across the nation’s capital.
“When roads connect, businesses grow. When movement is easy, productivity rises. When travel is safe, citizens are free. That is the Renewed Hope Agenda at work.”
Describing road infrastructure as a catalyst for national development, the President stressed that transportation networks remain vital to economic prosperity.
“Roads are not just asphalt. They are the veins of commerce, the bridges of unity and the channels through which our people pursue their dreams without fear or delay.”
He thanked residents for their patience throughout the construction period and appealed to them to protect the infrastructure.
“I know the diversions were frustrating. I know the dust was uncomfortable. But you endured because you believed in a better Abuja. Today, your patience has paid off. These roads belong to you. Use them responsibly and protect them jealously.”
The President reserved special commendation for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as a key driver of the ongoing transformation across Abuja.
“I gave you a simple charge: ‘Make Abuja work for all.’ You took it and ran with it. From satellite towns to the city centre, you are turning blueprints into roads people can drive on today.
“Your energy, your insistence on delivery and your refusal to accept excuses are why the FCT is transforming under this administration. Nigerians see it. I see it. Well done, Minister Wike.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build an inclusive and modern capital city where every community enjoys the dividends of development.
“Our vision remains clear: a world-class capital that works for every resident, whether you live in Asokoro or Kuje, Wuse or Gwagwalada. Interconnectivity is how we get there one road at a time, one district at a time.”
Earlier, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, credited the rapid pace of infrastructural development in Abuja to President Tinubu’s unwavering support and commitment to delivering projects.
“It is your directive that every district in Abuja must be touched. Every district must feel the impact of your administration,” Wike said.
He explained that the inauguration formed part of the ongoing 31-day project commissioning programme marking the administration’s third anniversary, adding that virtually every district in the FCT would benefit from one development project or another.
Wike dismissed criticisms that road construction does not directly improve livelihoods, insisting that infrastructure remains the foundation for economic growth.
“Look at this road and look at the houses around it. Without this road, these houses would not have come up. Investors are coming because infrastructure has arrived.
“People used to say, ‘We cannot eat roads.’ Today, they can see what roads can do. Roads attract investments, create jobs, increase property values and stimulate economic development.”
The minister further applauded Tinubu for consistently providing the resources required to execute critical infrastructure projects across the territory.
“When you have courageous, focused and determined leadership, those working under such leadership have no option but to deliver. We have not complained because each time we approach Mr President with requests, he gives us the necessary support.”
He assured residents that the administration would sustain its infrastructure drive across both the city centre and satellite communities.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described President Tinubu as the driving force behind the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying his commitment to infrastructure was reshaping the nation’s capital.
She also praised Wike as “a master builder of Nigeria’s capital city,” whose determination has translated government policies into visible development projects.
Mahmoud urged residents to protect public infrastructure and continue supporting government efforts aimed at building a modern, inclusive and prosperous Federal Capital Territory.
