From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, at the commissioning of the newly completed arterial road N5, stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road 3 in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged residents to own it, use it wisely, protect it, and celebrate it.
Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the president described the road as a landmark achievement that embodies visionary leadership and collective progress.
President Tinubu emphasised the importance of the road as a public asset. He highlighted that the project reflected the government’s commitment to modern infrastructure development aimed at improving the daily lives of Nigerians.
The arterial road N5, named after the visionary Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion around key districts such as Dape, Gwarimpa 1, Kado, Karsana, Idu, and Dambora, while also decongesting the busy Life Camp Junction and surrounding neighbourhoods. He noted that this improvement is set to enhance connectivity for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the heart of the capital city.
Earlier in his remarks, Wike clarified that the state’s tax collection system in the federal capital is designed not to embarrass taxpayers, but to apply necessary pressure to ensure sustainable development.
“Our system of tax collection is not to embarrass anybody; it’s to put pressure on people because we cannot survive this without people paying their taxes”.
He further explained that without adequate tax revenue, the government would struggle to fund critical projects and host important events. “If we don’t get taxes, we won’t be able to invite Mr President to inaugurate projects like these,” he noted.