President Bola Tinubu has lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exceptional delivery of infrastructure projects across Abuja, declaring that the minister has justified the confidence reposed in him since his appointment.
The President spoke on Friday during the inauguration of the newly completed Collector Road CN2, named Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard, alongside other infrastructure projects in the Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said Wike had remained focused on transforming Abuja into a modern capital city and had consistently demonstrated a results-oriented approach to governance.
“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track records. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President.
“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason,” the president said.
The commendation came as the Federal Capital Territory Administration continued its series of project inaugurations across the nation’s capital, showcasing completed infrastructure under the current administration.
Tinubu described the Katampe road project as a practical demonstration of government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to citizens through strategic investments in infrastructure.
He also pointed to the deployment of solar-powered street lighting across key roads in Abuja, noting that the initiative had enhanced public safety while stimulating economic and social activities after dark.
“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, the project represents more than a transportation corridor, describing it as a symbol of progress and evidence that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is producing visible outcomes.
Addressing guests at the event, Wike explained that the road project emerged from the need to bridge a critical gap in the district’s road network after the completion of nearby infrastructure projects.
“Last year, when Mr President commissioned the Gishiri road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist. We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.
The minister said the development had already begun attracting private investment and boosting real estate activities within the area.
“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” he said.
Wike maintained that infrastructure development remains central to economic growth, job creation and improved quality of life, adding that ongoing projects in the FCT have created opportunities for thousands of residents.
He noted that the administration was equally prioritising development in rural and satellite communities, citing the recently completed road linking several settlements in the Tungan-Madaki axis.
“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said.
The minister further announced that another major infrastructure project would be commissioned on Monday, with the inauguration of a new water supply scheme in Karu designed to improve access to potable water for residents of satellite towns.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the project reflected the administration’s broader vision of using infrastructure as a catalyst for economic development, social inclusion and improved living conditions.
She expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the National Assembly, Wike, project contractors, engineers and community stakeholders for their roles in ensuring the successful completion of the road.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, disclosed that the project comprises a 3.9-kilometre road network equipped with underground drainage systems, water and sewage pipelines, telecommunications ducts, pedestrian walkways, landscaped green areas and solar-powered street lighting.
Dauda said the road would significantly improve movement between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and surrounding districts while unlocking additional opportunities for residential and commercial expansion within the capital city.
(Ripples)