President Bola Tinubu on Monday said the rehabilitation and expansion of roads in Karu, one of the busiest satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would boost economic activities, reduce traffic congestion and improve residents’ quality of life.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Karu township roads, Tinubu said the project reflected his administration’s commitment to extending infrastructure development beyond Abuja’s city centre to communities where people live, work and commute.
He said the project was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving infrastructure and creating economic opportunities across the nation’s capital.
“When we took office three years ago, we recognised that true development must reach where the people actually live, work and commute.
“For years, the Karu corridor, serving as a critical gateway between the FCT and neighbouring states, suffered from severe traffic congestion that drained the productivity and energy of residents.
“By expanding and rehabilitating these roads, we are not just laying asphalt; we are injecting life back into the local economy,” the president said.
Tinubu said the completed project had reduced travel time, eased traffic congestion and provided a better environment for businesses operating within the area.
He added that improved road infrastructure would increase mobility, productivity and commercial activities in Karu.
The president commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as the rapid transformation of Abuja through the implementation of the administration’s urban renewal agenda.
“The rapid physical transformation across Abuja could not have happened without the dogged, relentless and focused supervision of Wike.
“His aggressive implementation of our urban renewal master plan is visible for everyone to see. I sincerely commend the minister and his team.
“By prioritising high-density, strategic satellite roads like Karu alongside the city centre, the FCT Administration is validating our governance philosophy that the wealth of this territory must yield practical everyday comfort for all socio-economic classes,” he said.
Tinubu also praised Abdul-Val Constructions Limited for completing the project on schedule and to a high standard, saying the company had shown that Nigerian contractors could compete with international firms in project delivery.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wike said the completed road network had changed the outlook of Karu and urged residents to recognise the government’s efforts regardless of political affiliation.
“It doesn’t matter the political party you belong to. It doesn’t matter the association you belong to. When you see a good thing, say this is a good thing.
“Whether anybody hates you or not, he cannot hate this road. Opposition people use this road; those in government use this road; and those who say they are not politicians also use this road,” the minister said.
He assured residents across the FCT that the Tinubu administration would continue to provide infrastructure projects and other benefits of democracy to communities across the territory.
Wike also commended Abdul-Val Constructions Limited, describing the company as proof that local contractors could execute major infrastructure projects to global standards.
He said the contractor continued work despite delays in payment, showing confidence in the administration.
“For this local contractor, I have seen that whether the money is there to pay him or not, he will never abandon the site.
“He will continue to work and say, ‘Mr Minister, I believe in this government of Bola Tinubu. I will do everything, and I know at the end of the day, I will be paid.’
“Mr President, it is rare these days to find people who will commit their money and carry out this kind of assignment,” Wike said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department, Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the project was awarded in August 2025 and covered the route linking the Karu Interchange on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway to the Customs Clinic Junction.
He said the project also included the rehabilitation of DSS Road, NIA Road, EFCC Road, Hospital Road and Old CBN Quarters Road within Karu town.
Zulkiflu said the project would improve accessibility, traffic flow, drainage infrastructure and security within the community.
He added that Karu remained one of the most populated satellite towns in the FCT due to its closeness to Abuja city centre.
“With this road, in less than a 10-minute drive, you are already in the city centre,” he said.
(The Whistler)
