President Bola Tinubu said on Wednesday his administration is determined to transform Abuja into a model capital city with vigorous urban development.
Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, while inaugurating Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, Dape District Section.
The President, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Kashim Shettima,vsaid the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would evolve into a capital city that reflects Nigeria’s growing population, economic aspirations and national identity.
Tinubu noted that improved transport connectivity in Abuja was expected to reduce logistics costs, encourage investment and support job creation.
The President described infrastructure as a measure of national seriousness and state capacity.
He said his government would continue to invest in strategic projects that improve connectivity, support economic activity and restore public confidence in governance.
“Infrastructure is the measure by which every civilised nation announces its seriousness.
“No capital can carry the weight of national ambition if its arteries are blocked by neglect, excuses and abandoned promises.
“We will never rest until we have made the FCT not only a functional seat of government, but a capital worthy of our federation,” he added.
Tinubu noted that the road infrastructure inherited by his administration required sustained intervention.
He pointed out that his administration has maintained continuity in construction and rehabilitation efforts without interruption.
“There has been no break, no pause and no retreat in the construction and rehabilitation of the roads we inherited.
“That is why we have ended the tradition of abandoned projects and restored faith in the power of government to finish what it starts,” President Tinubu maintained.
He said that the Dape District section of Arterial Road N5 project was conceived, funded and completed under the current administration.
He said the completion of the project demonstrates a deliberate departure from a culture in which public infrastructure became trapped in prolonged delays and repeated budget cycles.
“In the past, projects like this became permanent budget items with 10 or 15 years of excuses. Under this administration, that era is over,” he stated.
He commended the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for driving infrastructure execution across the capital city and praised the contractor for delivering according to expectation.
“The Honourable Minister has shown what happens when political will meets accountability.
“We fund projects to see results, not to hear explanations for failure,” the President noted.
(Ripples)
