-
Says FCT projects translate into inclusive growth
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, July 2, commissioned the dualised and upgraded Ushafa to War College/Army Checkpoint roads and other ancillary roads in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He stated that his administration is transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape through tangible projects nationwide.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu noted that the recent commissioning of infrastructure projects across the country reflects his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
He reiterated his resolve to build a Nigeria where every community is connected, every business thrives, and every citizen enjoys a life of dignity and opportunity.
Tinubu stated, “We have transformed a path of frustration into a corridor of opportunity. These dualised and upgraded roads will not only ease traffic congestion but also breathe new life into economic activities, improve access to education and healthcare, and uplift the overall quality of life for the people of Ushafa, Bwari, and neighbouring communities.”
Highlighting the significance of the road projects, the president said they embody his administration’s dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“There is something even more remarkable to celebrate today: this entire project was awarded to an indigenous contractor. That decision was deliberate, born out of our belief in the competence, resilience, and ingenuity of Nigerian professionals and businesses.
“We are not just building roads. We are building capacity, creating jobs, fostering a sense of ownership and pride within our communities. Above all, we are demonstrating unequivocally that, given the right support and enabling environment, Nigerian contractors can deliver infrastructure that rivals the best in the world,” he stated.
Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, described the current commissioning of projects in the FCT as unprecedented, reflecting President Tinubu’s deep commitment to the residents of satellite towns. He emphasised that developing road infrastructure in these areas is crucial for unlocking economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for local communities.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the performance and capability of the indigenous contractor responsible for the project, noting that the project’s journey from inception to completion demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting local contractors and fostering their growth.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their leadership, which has transformed satellite towns in the FCT into settlements with modern infrastructure.
She said the projects will not only improve livelihoods but also rewrite the history of the territory and reposition the area for genuine growth and development.
The Coordinator of the Satellite Town Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, thanked Tinubu’s administration for the deliberate and coordinated execution of infrastructure projects in the territory, noting that the people of the satellite towns in the FCT appreciate the gesture and remain solidly in support of the administration.
The project comprises the dualised and upgraded 16.4 km Ushafa to War College/Army Checkpoint roads and other ancillary roads in the Bwari Area Council.
Also present at the event were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, Sen. David Jimkuta, and other National Assembly members; the Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; former Governors of Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu; Benue, Samuel Ortom; and Enugu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chibudom Nwuche; Sen. George Sekibo; Sen. Philip Aduda; and Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, among others.