We won’t rest until all parts of FCT feel democracy dividends – Tinubu
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of democracy reach every part of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including satellite communities, as well as all regions across the country.
He pledged to promote inclusive infrastructural and socio-economic growth throughout Abuja, stressing that development must not be limited to the city centre but should extend to surrounding districts and communities, allowing all residents to experience the gains of national progress.
Speaking on Thursday during the inauguration of the Kuje-Airport Expressway in Abuja, the President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the airport corridor as more than just a roadway, noting that it serves as the nation’s first point of contact and symbolises Nigeria’s image to visitors.
Tinubu stated that his administration remains focused on delivering quality roads, improved street lighting, safer transportation routes, cleaner environments, efficient drainage systems, and modern infrastructure befitting the capital city of Africa’s largest democracy.
He assured residents that government efforts would continue to extend beyond the city centre to the area councils, ensuring that communities on the outskirts also benefit from improved infrastructure and municipal services.
According to the President, “We will continue working until the airport corridor and surrounding communities become shining examples of orderliness, hospitality, and economic opportunity.
“We are determined to ensure that the gains of democracy are fairly shared across the FCT, from the heart of Abuja to the communities that support its everyday activities.”
Emphasising the importance of a country’s entry points, Tinubu noted that communities surrounding the airport should not be neglected simply because they are located beside major national landmarks.
He observed that the airport corridor is home to workers, traders, civil servants, students, entrepreneurs, farmers, and families whose quality of life should reflect the status and promise of the nation’s capital.
“When access roads function efficiently, economic activities thrive. When neighbouring communities are connected, citizens feel included. And when visitors are welcomed by a well-organised environment, it leaves a positive impression of the country,” he said.
The President also commended the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for overseeing the successful completion of the project, describing him as a dependable partner in fulfilling the administration’s vision of making the FCT more livable and ensuring that development reaches every corner of the territory.
He praised Wike’s dedication, noting that true leadership is reflected in completed projects rather than unfulfilled plans. He also acknowledged the efforts of the FCT Administration, engineers, consultants, contractors, and all stakeholders involved in delivering the project.
Tinubu further urged residents of the airport communities to protect and maintain the road, stressing that public infrastructure represents a shared responsibility between government and citizens.
Earlier, Wike said the completion of the Kuje-Airport Expressway has revived hope among residents while creating opportunities for increased economic and social growth in the area. He recalled that insecurity and inadequate infrastructure were among the major challenges facing Kuje and other area councils when the current administration assumed office.
The minister explained that extensive consultations were conducted with traditional rulers, political leaders, and other stakeholders across the six area councils to identify their most urgent needs. According to him, community leaders consistently requested the revival of the abandoned Kuje Expressway project to improve accessibility.
Wike noted that the road would significantly shorten travel time between Kuje and Abuja city centre, boost commercial activities, and increase property values within the area.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, described the ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory as clear evidence of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in action.
She commended the President for his continued support of the FCT Administration, which she said has facilitated the execution of impactful projects aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the contract, awarded in 2022, was designed to connect major roads and improve access to highways across the FCT and neighbouring Nasarawa State.
He added that the project includes not only road construction but also bridges and drainage infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and providing alternative routes to Gwagwalada and other parts of the territory.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Senator Philip Aduda, members of the National Assembly, presidential aides, and senior officials of the FCT Administration.