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• inherited projects finished, promises kept -Wike
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday kicked off the 30 days of projects commissioning in the Federal Capital Territory with the inauguration of the main carriageways of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road I to Ring Road II, declaring the milestone a visible sign of the “Renewed Hope” agenda and an end to the era of abandoned projects in Nigeria.
Speaking at the OSEX–Wasa junction, the president, who was represented by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio said the project is more than asphalt and concrete — it is “the artery of economic growth” that will unlock jobs, reduce gridlock and cut the cost of doing business across the Federal Capital Territory. “When we took the oath of office, we didn’t promise shortcuts. We promised hard work… hope that you can see, hope that you can feel, and hope that you can drive on,” Tinubu told gathered officials and residents.
Tinubu recalled earlier phases of the expressway commissioned since 2024 — from the Villa Roundabout to Ring Road I and the 15-kilometre service carriageway opened last year — and stressed that his administration does not start projects to abandon them. “We finish what we start,” he said, praising FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for keeping contractors “on their toes” and delivering results on time.
He highlighted immediate gains for commuters and traders, saying the new stretch linking Apo District to Wasa will ease traffic, save fuel and man-hours, and expand Abuja’s economic footprint by opening up underserved areas for development.
Tinubu used the occasion to reassure Nigerians of a broad commitment to infrastructure across the federation, adding that the works were undertaken “to the glory of Almighty God and for the progress and prosperity of our great nation.”
Earlier, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, credited the administration’s resolve and CGC Nigeria Limited’s commitment for the project’s timely completion.
Wike said that when the contract was awarded in late 2025 he had asked the contractor whether the work could be finished in time for President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
“I asked them a simple question: can you deliver this project? I told them I wanted it ready for Mr. President’s third anniversary. They said yes. I asked again because I was not comfortable considering the scope of the work, the dual carriageway, culverts and bridges. They assured me they would deliver, and today they have kept their promise,” he said.
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He added that he personally inspected the site more than ten times to track progress and ensure the agreed schedule was met.
“This means that nothing is impossible if we are determined and committed to achieving results. With proper understanding between government and contractors, and with government fulfilling its obligations, we can achieve a lot,” Wike said.
The minister framed the road’s completion as part of the Tinubu administration’s approach of maintaining continuity and finishing projects inherited from previous governments.
“We did say every project we inherited, we are going to continue with it and finish it. That’s the essence of leadership. One of the criteria of good leadership is continuity of projects initiated by other administrations, not just projects initiated by you,” he said.
Wike added that roughly 80 percent of projects completed by the FCT Administration since 2023 were carried over from earlier administrations.
“Some people would have said there is no need for that, let us start our own projects. But Mr. President understands that these projects are funded with public resources and government is a continuum. We cannot abandon projects littered across the FCT,” he said.
He also said the relocation site for traders and artisans from the Apo Mechanic Village has been fully serviced with infrastructure, fulfilling a long-standing promise to provide a more suitable environment for the informal sector.
Responding to critics who claim little is being achieved, Wike pointed to ongoing and finished works across Abuja’s satellite towns — including roads in Kwali, Karu and Kubwa and water projects in rural communities.
“Sometimes it baffles me when people say nothing is happening in this country. Are we doing all these things in heaven or here on earth where people are living?” he asked.
He expressed confidence that FCT residents will eventually recognise the administration’s efforts and back President Tinubu for delivering on his promises.
Earlier, FCT Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud lauded Tinubu’s leadership as “visionary” and said the commissioning marks another landmark achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She described the OSEX carriageways as a strategic investment that will enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activity and support sustainable growth in the nation’s capital. She also commended Minister Wike’s resilience and commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure that improves residents’ quality of life.
The completion of the main carriageways is expected to ease chronic congestion on Abuja’s southern corridor and catalyse development along the route, officials said at the ceremony.
