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Road infrastructure will attract more investors – Wike
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, officially commissioned the newly completed right-hand service carriageway of the Inner Northern Expressway (INEX), connecting Route 3 to the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX), also known as Murtala Muhammed Way.
Represented by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, the new road will significantly ease the chronic traffic congestion in Nigeria’s capital city.
President Tinubu described the new carriageway as ‘a critical piece of the Federal Capital Territory’s master plan, designed to ease traffic flow, enhance connectivity, and improve urban mobility for millions of commuters, residents, and businesses.’ He emphasised that the road is more than just infrastructure; it is ‘a symbol of progress and a reflection of our administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda,’ which is ‘committed to building infrastructure that serves the people, unlocks economic potential, and supports sustainable development.’
Addressing the challenge of increasing traffic volumes in Abuja and its satellite towns, the President stated, ‘As traffic volume increases in the FCT, it has become imperative for continuous expansion and maintenance of critical routes. This road will not only decongest key junctions but also facilitate safer, faster movement within Abuja’s transportation corridors.’
He further highlighted the broader economic benefits, noting that the new carriageway ‘will open more opportunities for businesses, housing, and investments in the adjoining districts.’
President Tinubu praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the management of the administration for their ‘vision, commitment to quality, and timely execution,’ adding, ‘You have contributed to something larger than the roadway. You have contributed to the future of our capital.’
He also appealed to the public to protect the new infrastructure, urging, ‘To the residents and road users, I appeal to you: protect this infrastructure, obey traffic rules, and keep public assets with respect. They belong to all of us and to generations yet unborn.’
He noted that the commissioning aligns with the administration’s broader infrastructure push, which includes numerous road projects across the FCT and Nigeria, aimed at boosting economic growth and improving quality of life. The President reiterated his commitment to replicating such projects nationwide, stating, ‘We are determined to replicate these in every part of the country with roads, bridges, railways, and more, ensuring that no region is left behind.’
Earlier, Wike lauded President Tinubu’s dedication to infrastructure development during the commissioning of the 16-kilometre Idu to Zuba road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He explained that the project, initially awarded in 2014 at a cost of N7 billion, has now escalated to N31 billion due to inflation and project variations, but remains a key part of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing President Tinubu directly, Wike said, ‘Mr President, again, I want to sincerely thank you for sending representatives to commission this road that goes from Idu to Zuba Road, 16 kilometres. This road was awarded in 2014 at a cost of 7 billion Naira, but because of inflation and variations, it rose to N31 billion.’
He highlighted the importance of continued federal support for impactful projects, noting, ‘It has been the policy of Mr President under the Renewed Hope Agenda to continue with projects that would be impactful on the lives and economy of our people.’
Reflecting on the state of the project when he assumed office in August 2023, Wike expressed his initial scepticism: ‘Passing through Idu, it was difficult for anybody to say you would continue with these projects because I just asked myself and the FCDA, how did you come about awarding this kind of road that you knew you were not going to finish?’
He broke down the financial logic, stating, ‘A job of N7 billion in 2014, with commitment, you could say, okay, to finish this road every month, let the company collect from our IGR N500 million. In one year, you have paid 6 billion Naira, but the road has taken 11 good years. Simple arithmetic.’
Wike also highlighted efforts to boost industrial development along the route: ‘This is the industrial site of Abuja. The industrial park is somewhere there. When we came, people had no confidence because they had no Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) to assure them they could continue. I immediately ordered that the C-of-O should be given to them, and that was done within two weeks.’
He projected the economic benefits of the industrial park, saying, ‘Today, go to that place. Mr President, I will encourage you. That will create not less than 40,000 direct jobs.’
On the challenges faced, Wike further explained, ‘The contractors could not get approval to cross the rail line to complete this job. I hope, Mr President, you will go through this way, and go to Zuba Road, and go back to Abuja. Road infrastructure is the driver of any economic growth.’
He stressed the critical role of infrastructure in attracting investment: ‘Investors will come when there are roads. If there are no roads, no investor will come, because their duty is not to come and do roads for you. You are to provide the basic infrastructure.’
Wike praised the President’s hands-on approach, noting, ‘Today is the 10th day, Mr President, to commission projects. He has come personally five times, five days. Today, you are representing him. The Speaker has represented him. The Senate President has also represented him. Ten good days, that is 10 projects.’
Looking ahead, he outlined the schedule for upcoming inaugurations: ‘The remaining seven projects, because we took two. On the 17th, the Mabushi Bus Terminal and the INEC flag off. The Senate President will start his own tomorrow (Wednesday). And on Thursday, then Friday, the Speaker will start his own and finish on the 30th of June. Then the Vice President will start on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.’
Wike concluded with a heartfelt appeal, ‘Mr President, I want to say thank you. We will continue to pray that you continue to support us the way you have supported us. Do not relent, because we cannot do anything if you are not giving us support.’
He used a local adage to emphasise the importance of support, saying, ‘Monkey dey jump, monkey dey jump, na because tree near tree. When people say, we are doing well, it’s because Mr President is giving us support. If he was not giving us support, all this doing well would not be there.’
The FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, also praised the latest infrastructure project as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to impactful and people-focused governance.
Describing FCT Minister Wike as a reliable leader, Mahmoud highlighted that the project is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity, stimulate commerce, and enhance the daily lives of thousands of residents.
She expressed hope that the development would symbolise the collective resolve to build a more connected and prosperous Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.