President Bola Tinubu has spotlighted the critical importance of rural infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth and social upliftment in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), praising Minister, Nyesom Wike for his commitment to equitable provision of amenities in both urban and rural areas of Abuja.
At the official commissioning of the newly constructed 15-kilometer road linking the A2 junction on the Abuja-Lokoja expressway to Pai community in Kwali Area Council on Monday, Tinubu underscored how such projects serve as strategic enablers for agriculture, commerce, education, and mobility, thereby strengthening the national economy from the grassroots level.
“Barrister Nyesom Wike and his team are doing a wonderful job, thinking about the people and their needs, and thinking about the country he represents,” the President said. “Thank you, Nyesom Wike, for all you are doing. We greatly appreciate the efforts you and your team have put in place to achieve this. I would not have been here if not for your efforts.”
The President highlighted that infrastructure projects like the Pai road are not merely about physical connectivity but about unlocking the economic potential of rural communities traditionally marginalized by neglect and poor access.
“The commissioning of this newly constructed road from A2 junction on Abuja-Lokoja expressway to Pai Town is both symbolic and strategic,” he explained. “It opens a new corridor for agriculture, commerce, education, mobility, and other areas, strengthening our national economy from the grassroots up.”
Highlighting the role of rural areas in Nigeria’s food production and local enterprise, the President acknowledged the challenges farmers and livestock owners face, including the need for designated grazing areas. “We will help you. We will work with you. We will combat what used to be a liability and a source of conflict, turning it into a means of prosperity,” he assured.
President Tinubu reiterated the administration’s resolve to ensure that development is balanced and inclusive across all zones of the FCT. “We will ensure that development is not lopsided but balanced, inclusive, and targets lifting lives,” he stressed.
He also praised the contractors for their professionalism and quality workmanship, noting that the road was built to last and would serve future generations. “To the people of Pai, this is your road. I urge the community to take ownership of this infrastructure, guide it, maintain it, and use it to the fullest. Let it be a pathway to growth and a bridge to a better life for the youth, farmers, traders, and students who will move with great ease.”
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Wike highlighted the progress achieved under the FCT Administration, revealing that over 150 kilometers of rural roads have been constructed and commissioned across the six area councils.
“We are happy with the kind of support you’ve given us to achieve all these results,” Wike said. “With this, those of us who want to be farmers, real farmers, we are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmland, so that we will come out of the food problem, which the federal government is trying to solve.”
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to continuing infrastructure investments under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to transform Abuja into a globally competitive capital city.
Wike highlighted that the President’s focus extends beyond urban centers to include the development of satellite towns. “This also tells us that your emphasis is not just to improve infrastructure in the city, it is also to improve life and other infrastructure in the satellite town,” he said, outlining the impressive progress made since Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, stressing the volume of work completed and ongoing in rural areas.
He recounted the history of the Pai road project, explaining how it was awarded through the Federal Councils and shared that the contractor has pledged to complete the next phase from Gomani to Yangoji, another 13 kilometers, signaling that approximately 45 kilometers of roads will soon be completed in the area. Wike was clear about the scale of the administration’s efforts, noting that since August 2023, six emergency roads were approved and funded in the national budget, all of which have now been commissioned.
Wike took the opportunity to name some of these roads, underscoring their significance to the six area councils within the FCT. He mentioned roads such as Paikon Kore-Ibwa Road in Gwagwalada, Gabo-Tokulo Road and Foreign River Bridge in Bwari, the asphalt carriageway from Garage Junction to U.S. Secretariat in Kuje, Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo Road in Kwali, and access roads to Saburi communities in AMAC.
He stressed that all these projects have been completed and commissioned, dispelling any doubts about their existence or progress.
Looking ahead, Wike announced that for the current year, the administration plans to commission several more projects, including the Aguma Palace-Radio-New Market Road in Gwagwalada, the Nyanya-Karshi dual carriageway, Old Ushafa Road, rehabilitation of Lower Usuma Dam, and the dualization of the Ushafa War College to Kaduna Checkpoint road.
Summing up the scope of work, Wike said, “If you calculate all, and the ongoing roads, and the ones completed, within the satellite towns, you’ve done not less than 150 kilometers of roads.” He stressed the transformative impact of these roads on security and accessibility, noting that previously, some areas were so isolated that even security personnel would have difficulty entering.
Wike also linked the infrastructure development to the broader goal of food security. “We are talking about food security. With this, those of you who want to be farmers, real farmers, we are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmland, so that we will come out of the food problem, which the federal government is trying to solve,” he said, emphasizing the need to support genuine farmers rather than land speculators.
Expressing deep appreciation for the President’s support, Wike remarked, “You see, you can give somebody an appointment, and he does not have support, the person cannot do anything. But when you have given somebody an appointment, and you give him that support to actualize his job, there’s always happiness. And for us, we are very, very happy. The people too are happy.”
He concluded on a hopeful note, confident that the President’s visit would leave a lasting impression. “When the people are happy, you will be happy. But when the people are angry, you will not be happy. I’m sure, as you are leaving today, you will be very, very happy. Even when you get to the villa, you will be very, very happy.”