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First Lady of Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, officially commissioned the remodelled Abuja City Gate, describing the landmark as a symbol of national unity and pride and a fitting tribute during two major national milestones.
Speaking as the representative of President Bola Tinubu, she said the unveiling — coinciding with the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the Federal Capital Territory’s 50th anniversary — could not have come at a better time. “There is no better time than this historic anniversary to remodel the Abuja City Gate, an iconic landmark that stands as a symbol of our national identity and serves as the gateway to our nation’s capital,” she said.
The First Lady highlighted the gate’s new water fountain, designed to represent the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, saying the feature will welcome visitors and signal that Abuja is “a city built on unity, diversity, and shared aspirations.” Urging residents to protect the monument, she added: “Public infrastructure belongs to all of us, and its maintenance is a shared responsibility. I hereby officially commission the remodelled Abuja City Gate to the glory of God and for the benefit of all Nigerians and visitors to the capital city.”
Wike, who oversaw the project, recounted the push to complete the refurbishment despite logistical challenges and persistent rain ahead of the event. He said the First Lady and President Tinubu personally pressed for the upgrade, prompting contractors to deliver on a tight timeline. “Your Excellency, this is your brainchild… you called me and you said, ‘Hold on for the First Lady,’” he said, describing how the directive accelerated the project.
Wike thanked contractors, including Julius Berger, for producing designs and executing the work quickly, and urged the public to appreciate the workmanship behind the new gateway.
Reflecting on the transformation, he declared: “To the glory of God, we have arrived.”
The remodelling of the Abuja City Gate forms part of broader FCT efforts to upgrade the capital’s infrastructure — including road expansion and public-space improvements — aimed at enhancing Abuja’s image ahead of the territory’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, earlier noted that the remodelling represents a “visible expression of a new era of infrastructural renewal”. She praised the project as a key component of the administration’s drive to reposition Abuja to global standards.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, lauded the landmark for its architectural majesty, noting that it is set to become a preferred destination for sightseeing and recreation for residents and visitors alike.
While presenting the technical overview, Dauda revealed that the Abuja City Gate was originally built in 1991 to symbolically depict the official relocation of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja.
He remarked that over the years, the edifice was neglected and left to deteriorate until November 2025, when the redesign and rehabilitation contract was awarded.
Dauda stated that the features of the remodelled Abuja City Gate included a Unity Fountain possessing 37 nozzles representing the 36 States of Nigeria and the FCT, an elaborate irrigation system, dazzling illuminating lighting systems, a car park for 60 cars, toilet facilities and dependable security services.
Residents and visitors at the commissioning were invited to view the new fountain and urged to help preserve the refurbished landmark.
