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President Bola Tinubu has explained why he selected Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), saying the former Rivers State governor has demonstrated the ability to deliver major projects and improve infrastructure.
The President made the remark on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly completed Federal Highway 105, a major road connecting the Airport Expressway to Kuje in Abuja.
Represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said his administration chose Wike for the position because of his track record of turning projects into reality and getting results where others had struggled.
The President recalled that the road project had been awarded in 2022 but was left unfinished for a long period. According to him, residents and business owners along the route suffered daily challenges, including severe traffic congestion, flooding during the rainy season and dusty conditions in the dry season.
Tinubu said his administration decided to revive the project as part of efforts to improve the lives of people living outside Abuja’s city centre.
He noted that government showed determination by overcoming obstacles that had delayed the project, including paying compensation where necessary to ensure work could continue without violating the law.
According to the President, the road is more than just a transportation project. He said it reflects the broader goal of his administration to spread development beyond the capital city and ensure that communities at the grassroots also benefit from government initiatives.
Tinubu stressed that the completed road will reduce travel time, improve movement of people and goods, support local businesses and provide easier access to markets for farmers.
He added that the project would also encourage the growth of satellite towns, reduce pressure on Abuja’s city centre, increase property values and attract new investments into the area.
The President urged residents to support government efforts by paying taxes, ground rents and other approved levies, noting that such revenues help fund infrastructure projects across the country.
He also called on community leaders, youths and residents to protect the road and other public facilities from vandalism, warning against turning public infrastructure into dumping sites or illegal trading locations.
Speaking at the event, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike described the road as one of the most challenging projects undertaken by the administration.
He revealed that shortly after taking office in 2023, traditional rulers and community leaders repeatedly raised concerns about the poor condition of the road during consultations across the six area councils.
According to Wike, the project had virtually stalled despite being awarded at a cost of more than N54 billion before the current administration stepped in to revive it.
He said the road had become notorious for criminal activities, with kidnappers and other criminals taking advantage of its poor condition to harass residents.
Wike praised the contractor for completing the project despite numerous difficulties and thanked President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development in satellite communities.
The minister also disclosed that another major project, the Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway, is expected to be commissioned in July as part of ongoing efforts to transform the Federal Capital Territory.
He maintained that the current administration’s investment in roads and infrastructure outside Abuja’s city centre would leave a lasting impact on the development of the nation’s capital.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the road project as a major achievement under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the new highway would improve transportation, boost economic activities and enhance the quality of life for residents, while commending Wike’s leadership in driving infrastructure development across the territory.
The road inauguration formed part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, with several projects being commissioned across the Federal Capital Territory.