President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the dividends of democracy are evenly distributed across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including satellite towns and rural communities.
The President made the pledge on Thursday during the commissioning of the Kuje-Airport Expressway in Abuja. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said his administration would continue to pursue balanced infrastructural and socio-economic development across the FCT, stressing that every district and community must benefit from the ongoing transformation of the nation’s capital.
According to him, the FCT must grow as one entity, with both the city centre and suburban communities sharing in the benefits of development.
He described the airport corridor as more than just a roadway, noting that it serves as Nigeria’s gateway to the world and plays a vital role in shaping visitors’ first impressions of the country.
The President pledged continued investment in roads, street lighting, drainage systems, sanitation and other modern facilities needed to make Abuja a capital city befitting Africa’s largest democracy.
“We shall not rest until the airport and its neighbouring communities become models of order, hospitality and opportunity,” he said.
“We shall not rest until the dividends of democracy are equitably distributed across the territory, from the ceremonial heart of Abuja to the settlements that sustain its daily life.”
Tinubu emphasized that communities along the airport corridor should not be treated as neglected settlements, noting that they are home to workers, traders, students, farmers, civil servants and entrepreneurs whose lives should reflect the promise of the capital city.
He added that improved road infrastructure boosts economic activities, enhances connectivity and improves the overall quality of life for residents.
The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for driving the completion of the project, describing him as a dependable partner in delivering the administration’s vision for a more habitable and inclusive FCT.
He praised the FCT Administration, engineers, consultants and contractors involved in the project for their commitment and professionalism.
Tinubu also urged residents to protect the road and other public infrastructure, describing them as shared assets that require collective responsibility.
Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the completion of the Kuje-Airport Expressway had restored hope to residents and opened up the area for increased economic and social activities.
He recalled that insecurity and poor infrastructure were among the major challenges facing Kuje and other area councils when the current administration assumed office.
According to the minister, extensive consultations with traditional rulers, political leaders and community stakeholders identified the road as one of the most urgent needs of the people.
Wike noted that the new expressway would significantly reduce travel time between Kuje and Abuja city centre, stimulate business activities and increase property values in the area.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmud, described the project as a clear demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
She commended the President for providing the support needed to execute projects aimed at improving the welfare of FCT residents.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the project, awarded in 2022, was designed to connect major road networks within the FCT and neighbouring Nasarawa State.
He added that the project includes bridges and drainage infrastructure, providing alternative access routes to Gwagwalada and other parts of the territory.
Dignitaries at the event included the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Senator Philip Aduda, federal lawmakers, presidential aides and senior officials of the FCT Administration. :::
