From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian feels the positive impact of good governance.
Speaking through his representative, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, at the commissioning of the new Collector Road CN2, popularly known as Zakari A. Kiari Street, on Thursday, June 19, the President emphasised that his administration will continue to prioritise investment in critical infrastructure across the country.
He reiterated his dedication to national development and improving citizens’ quality of life through strategic infrastructure projects. He noted that the new Collector Road CN2, popularly known as Zakari A. Kiari Street, links Amadu Bello Way to Katampe district and other connecting roads, reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity.
He further underscored the administration’s broader vision: “This project reflects our administration’s commitment to urban development and improving the quality of life for our citizens. We believe that infrastructure development is critical to national growth and development.”
The President also commended the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and his team for their dedication: “I commend the Honourable Minister of the FCT and his team for prioritising infrastructure delivery. I also appreciate CGC Nigeria Limited for executing this project promptly.”
He said, “Our administration will continue to invest in critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, housing, transportation, education, and healthcare. Infrastructure development is not an expenditure, but a good investment for the people. I assure you that we are committed to making sure that every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance.”
Earlier, the Minister of the FCT, while thanking President Tinubu for his unwavering support and highlighting the rapid pace of infrastructure delivery in the FCT, emphasised the strategic importance of the new road: “This road links to many areas, including Judges’ Quarters, and will benefit a wide range of residents.”
Wike praised the contractor’s efficiency: “We flagged off this project in October last year, and it was supposed to be completed within 12 months. But here we are; the project has been completed within 8-9 months. This is why we say, give to those who have the capacity to deliver.”
Addressing the issue of tax compliance, the Minister made a passionate appeal: “For those who say they will sell their houses rather than pay ground rent, see the value and product of paying ground rent. If you don’t pay, nobody will provide this infrastructure because the only thing the city has is just to collect taxes.”
He called out wealthy tax evaders: “The big men are those who make sure they don’t pay taxes. But these big men, before they leave London or America, they pay their property taxes. Here in Nigeria, we always have one excuse or the other.”
Wike concluded with a strong pledge: “I assure you that we will not disappoint you. I will not disappoint Nigerians.”
Impact and future outlook
Following the ceremony, Wike also inspected other critical infrastructure projects, including Judges’ Quarters and N5 Road at Lifecamp, as a signal of ongoing commitment to urban development.