By Sarah NEGEDU
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, declared that the era of abandoned projects was over, saying his administration was committed to completing inherited projects and tackling long-standing development challenges across the country.
The President, who made the declaration during the inauguration of the 8.6-kilometre Airport Expressway-Kuje Township Road in the Federal Capital Territory, said governments should be judged by their ability to solve problems rather than leave them unattended.
The President who was represented by his Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the newly completed road was proof of his administration’s determination to fulfil its promises under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Today we are not just commissioning a road, we are keeping a promise.
“Three years ago, we took an oath to serve you. We pledged to end the era of abandoned projects. Today, FCT Highway 105 stands as proof that we keep our word. And let me be very clear, the present administration does not inherit problems to abandon them. We inherit challenges to solve them.”
Tinubu recalled how the abandoned project had become a source of frustration for residents and businesses, with commuters forced to contend with traffic bottlenecks, dust during the dry season and muddy conditions during the rains.
“To appreciate the significance of this moment, we must recall where we started. This road was awarded in 2022, but little progress was made. It became a symbol of frustration, gridlock for businesses, drought in the dry season and mud in the rains.”
He credited the eventual completion of the project to what he described as political will and decisive leadership, saying his administration took deliberate steps to remove obstacles that had hindered progress.
“Therefore, when I appointed the Honorable Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, I did so because he delivers. While there were delays, we brought political will. Where there were obstructions, we paid compensation because we respect the law and value progress.”
The President said the project represented more than a road, describing it as part of a broader effort to ensure that development reaches communities outside Abuja city centre.
“Beyond the concrete and asphalt, these projects speaks to a larger vision. The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just for the city center. True democracy must prevail at the grassroots. It must prevail in Kuje and the commuter coming from or going to Kuje must feel it. Every Nigerian must feel it.”
He said the highway would reduce travel time, ease congestion, boost investment and improve access to markets for farmers and businesses in satellite communities.
Tinubu also called on residents, developers and business owners in the FCT to pay their taxes, ground rents and other statutory charges to enable government sustain infrastructure development across the territory.
“To sustain this progress, I urge every resident, business owner, and developer. Pay your taxes. Clear your ground rents and land fees. Your civic duty gives us the resources to replicate this success in every satellite town.”
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, revealed that the road was one of the most difficult projects undertaken by the administration and admitted that he was uncertain it could be completed when he first assumed office.
According to him, the project had become a major concern during consultations with stakeholders across the six area councils shortly after the current administration came into office.
Wike said traditional rulers in Kuje, led by the Emir of Kuje, had specifically appealed to the government to revive the project because work had virtually stopped despite the contract having been awarded in February 2022.
“This is one road that I never dreamt of, that today, will come and commission it. It was a very, very difficult road, very, very difficult road.
“In fact, it became a political road.”
The minister disclosed that there was no contractor on site when the administration took over and that securing funds for the project posed a major challenge.
“And again, there was no contractor on this road, even though the contract was awarded in February 4th, 2022, at a cost of over 54 billion Naira.
“Your Excellency I will tell you, when we made that promise, in my mind, I did say, how are we going to achieve this? Where will the money come from? It was very difficult, Your Excellency.”
Wike said the poor state of the road had contributed to insecurity in the area and made life difficult for residents.
“It was a death trap. It was here for kidnappers and hooligans, trying to molest, harass citizens and residents of Kuje.”
He said persistent engagement with the contractor and support from the Presidency eventually led to the project’s completion.
He argued that the ongoing infrastructure drive in satellite towns was changing the development pattern of Abuja and bringing government closer to the people.
“If anybody asks where government is, tell them Airport-Kuje Road is government. When they ask, where is government? Say, Kuje to Gwagwalada is government. This is government we are talking about. This is government we are seeing. Providing the basic infrastructure.”
