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Tinubu Says Abuja’s Transformation Is Blueprint For National Development
President Bola Tinubu has said the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reflects his administration’s broader development agenda for Nigeria, as he inaugurated the newly constructed Collector Road C01 and bridge in Abuja.
Speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration in the Institution and Research District, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described infrastructure as the greatest enabler of economic prosperity and said the administration was replicating Abuja’s modernisation across the country.
“When you build roads, you open up districts. When you open up districts, you invite investment. And when investment comes, Nigeria grows,” Tinubu said.
He said the modernisation of the nation’s capital is a reflection of the transformation his administration intends to deliver nationwide, pledging continued investment in cities, satellite towns and rural communities.
“The transformation of Abuja is a microcosm of the transformation we are bringing to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Tinubu recalled that following complaints by the Body of Benchers during last year’s Nigerian Law School Call to Bar ceremony over traffic congestion and poor access to the institution, he directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to urgently address the problem.
“I told him, ‘Look, we cannot have the legal luminaries of our nation navigating potholes to train our future advocates. We cannot have students arriving late to lectures because of a lack of a simple bridge.’ We did not just talk about it. We approved it under emergency procurement. And today, just months later, here we are,” he said.
The President said the road project had generated hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during construction and restored ease of movement for students, lecturers and residents.
He also commended Wike for delivering the project, saying the minister had demonstrated commitment to implementing the administration’s development agenda.
Earlier, Wike thanked the President and Vice President for attending the 21st day of the FCT project inauguration exercise and assured residents that every district in the territory would continue to receive government attention.
He also appreciated Tinubu for providing resources for infrastructure projects and removing the Federal Capital Territory Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, thanked the President for his continued support, saying it had enabled unprecedented execution of projects across the capital.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Yunana Dauda, said the road, which includes a link bridge, underground drainage system and solar streetlights, would improve access to research and educational institutions as well as surrounding communities.
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