Tinubu commissions Kuje-Gwagwalada road, says infrastructure key to Nigeria’s prosperity

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration is laying the foundation for Nigeria’s prosperity through the provision of critical infrastructure projects across the country.

Tinubu stated this on Wednesday while commissioning Phase One of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway in Abuja, according to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

The President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring that no community is left behind in the delivery of development projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He described the newly completed 7-kilometre dual carriageway as a critical economic corridor linking Abuja with Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and other neighbouring communities, as well as providing an alternative route to southern Nigeria.

According to him, the project, which features solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and drainage systems, will improve security, facilitate commerce and enhance the movement of people and goods.

“For decades, this road was a death trap. Traders from Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali, and beyond lost time, goods, and sometimes lives while plying this route. Criminals thrived in the darkness. Students of our institutions here wasted hours in traffic. Farmers could not get their produce to market on time. That story ends today,” the President was quoted as saying.

Tinubu said the road had unlocked the agricultural potential of the area, opened up new residential layouts and made movement safer for residents, students and workers.

He acknowledged the hardship associated with ongoing economic reforms and urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the government’s policies.

“To all Nigerians: I know the reforms have been tough. The hard choices today are for a stronger tomorrow. From the city centre to the farthest satellite town, we are laying the foundation for prosperity.

“Do not give up on Nigeria. Stay with us. Support the Renewed Hope Agenda. The results you are seeing here in Kuje-Gwagwalada are happening across the country,” he said.

The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for extending development projects to satellite communities and assured residents of Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and other area councils that the Federal Government would continue to provide roads, schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure.

He further urged residents to protect public infrastructure from vandalism and illegal developments, while encouraging citizens to fulfil their civic obligations through the payment of taxes and ground rents.

According to the statement, Wike said the FCT Administration had adopted a community-engagement model in selecting and executing projects across the territory, adding that the completion of the road and other projects demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach.

The minister commended traditional rulers and stakeholders for their support and thanked President Tinubu for backing infrastructure development across the FCT.

Also quoted in the statement, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, expressed appreciation to the President for prioritising infrastructure development in satellite towns and communities.

The Coordinator of the Satellite Town Development Department, Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the completion of the project marked a significant milestone in efforts to improve infrastructure and the wellbeing of residents in satellite communities.

He added that the road would boost economic and social activities in Kuje, Gwagwalada and neighbouring communities in line with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.