President Bola Tinubu has praised Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for the completion of a seven-kilometre access road linking communities around the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the inauguration of the road on Thursday, Tinubu said the project fulfilled a promise made to communities affected by the construction of the airport’s second runway.
The road stretches from Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki settlement and includes a four-span bridge.
‘NO COMMUNITY SHOULD BE A VICTIM OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT’
Tinubu said the project was conceived to address years of neglect suffered by communities that surrendered land for the construction of the airport’s second runway.
According to the president, the host communities were left without basic road infrastructure despite their sacrifice in the national interest.
“Yet, for years, the paradox remained. These patriotic communities gave up land for aeroplanes to fly, yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet and vehicles. They were cut off,” he said.
“Let me state this clearly: no citizen should be made a victim of national development.
“When the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, brought this matter to my attention, my directive was clear and unequivocal: ‘Whatever the communities ask for to make their lives whole, give it to them.’
“We do not just take; we build, we replace and we elevate. Today, we have fulfilled that solemn promise.”
Tinubu described the road as an economic corridor that would improve security around the airport, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate economic activities in surrounding communities.
The president said the four-span bridge would guarantee year-round movement of people, goods, and services.
“Whether in the height of the dry season or the peak of the rains, our farmers can move their produce, our children can go to school, and businesses can thrive without disruption,” he said.
“That is what the renewed hope agenda means: reducing hardship by building infrastructure that works.”
‘WIKE, YOU ARE MR PROJECT’
Tinubu commended the FCT for delivering the project within 16 months of its approval.
“Wike, you are Mr Project, and you have not disappointed. In February 2025, I approved this project. You mobilised immediately,” the president said.
“Today, barely 16 months later, this beautiful stretch of road is completed and ready for use. No excuses. No stories. Just delivery. That is the standard Nigerians deserve, and that is the standard this administration will maintain.”
He urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing encroachment on the road corridor and ensuring proper maintenance of drainage systems.
Tinubu said the reforms introduced by his administration were necessary despite the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians.
“The reforms we embarked on three years ago were never going to be easy. We made hard choices. But they were necessary choices,” he said.
“Hard choices today mean a stronger Nigeria tomorrow. We are not building for headlines. We are building for generations to come. We will keep working day and night until every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance.”
Speaking at the event, Wike said the road project formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.
The minister said the project demonstrated the administration’s commitment to extending development beyond Abuja city centre.
Wike commended residents of the host community for supporting the construction of the airport’s second runway.
“I must commend this community as a strong example for others to learn from. They did not make unrealistic demands or attempt to frustrate government efforts,” he said.
“Instead, they made two simple requests: employment for their youths and access roads for their community. They did not demand huge monetary compensation or place unnecessary conditions. They simply asked for jobs and roads.”
Wike said the federal government had already fulfilled the employment component of the agreement and was now delivering the promised road infrastructure.
The minister said the project would improve connectivity between communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and the Gwagwalada Area Council.
He added that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) had directed CCECC Nigeria Limited, the contractor, to extend the road to Zuba to maximise its economic benefits.
“This road is proof that when government and communities work together, progress is possible,” Wike said.
