Tinubu commissions Collector Road C01 and bridge in FCT

Says Abuja’s renewal blueprint for national development

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed Collector Road C01 and its accompanying bridge in the Institution and Research District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the project as a “promise kept” and a model for the wider transformation his administration plans across Nigeria.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning, Tinubu said infrastructure is the “greatest enabler of economic prosperity” and pledged to replicate Abuja’s modernisation — roads, bridges and other public works — across cities, satellite towns and rural communities to ensure equitable development.

“When you build roads, you open up districts. When you open up districts, you invite investment. And when investment comes, Nigeria grows,” he said through the Vice President.

The road and bridge, Tinubu added, have already created hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for youths engaged during construction and represent “the macroeconomy at work at the grassroots level”.

“We promised Renewed Hope. And today, as we stand on this newly constructed Collector Road C01, complete with its bridge, we are not just looking at the physical road; we are looking at a promise kept,” he said, noting that the project was delivered on an emergency procurement basis after concerns raised by the Body of Benchers and others about traffic gridlock and poor access to legal and academic institutions.

Mr Tinubu recalled instructing the FCT Minister to act promptly so students, lecturers and residents would no longer have to “navigate potholes” or arrive late for lectures. “We did not just talk about it. We approved it under emergency procurement. And today, just months later, here we are,” he said.

The President hailed the boost to safety and ease of movement the road provides, saying it creates an environment where academic and professional institutions can thrive free from “the baggage of structural neglect”. He also commended Minister Wike for delivering on the assignment, saying the minister “does not sleep until it is done”.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike commended the President and Vice President for participating in Day 21 of the administration’s project commissioning programme across the capital. He pledged continued attention to every district in the FCT and expressed appreciation for federal resources allocated to the territory, including the decision to remove the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

“Your Excellency’s support has enabled the rapid execution of projects across the FCT,” Wike said, urging residents to protect and maintain the newly provided facilities.

Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, speaking on behalf of FCT management and residents, also thanked President Tinubu for what she called “unwavering and massive support” that has led to unprecedented project delivery in the territory. She urged residents to cooperate in sustaining people-oriented programmes and safeguarding infrastructure.

Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, described Collector Road C01 as critical to development in the district reserved for research and educational institutions, aligning with the FCT Master Plan. He said the project includes a link bridge, an underground drainage system and solar-powered street lights, and will provide an alternative route to research and related institutions and neighbouring communities.