Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Transform Abuja, Commissions Arterial Road N5

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On Jun 10, 2026

Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Transform Abuja, Commissions Arterial Road N5

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a modern capital city that reflects Nigeria’s growing population, economic aspirations, and national identity.

The President gave the assurance on Wednesday during the commissioning of the full-scope development of Arterial Road N5, also known as Obafemi Awolowo Way, linking Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in the Dape District of Abuja.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu described infrastructure development as a key indicator of national progress and government effectiveness, stressing that strategic investments in road networks remain critical to economic growth and urban development.

“Infrastructure is the measure by which every civilised nation announces its seriousness. No capital can carry the weight of national ambition if its arteries are blocked by neglect, excuses, and abandoned promises,” the President said.

He noted that improved transport connectivity across Abuja would reduce logistics costs, attract investment, create jobs, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that Abuja evolves into a capital city capable of matching the ambitions of the nation while serving as a model of planned urban development.

“We will never rest until we have made the Federal Capital Territory not only a functional seat of government but a capital worthy of our federation, our growing population, and the dreams that brought Abuja into being,” he stated.

President Tinubu said his administration had maintained continuity in road construction and rehabilitation projects inherited from previous administrations, ending the era of abandoned projects and restoring confidence in government’s ability to deliver on its promises.

“There has been no break, no pause, and no retreat in the construction and rehabilitation of the roads we inherited. That is why we have ended the tradition of abandoned projects and restored faith in the power of government to finish what it starts,” he added.

Speaking on the newly completed road project, the President explained that the Arterial Road N5 project was conceived, funded, and completed under his administration after it was awarded to Julius Berger in October 2024 with a 15-month completion timeline.

He said the successful delivery of the project demonstrates a shift away from the long-standing practice of projects remaining on government budgets for years without completion.

“In the past, projects like this became permanent budget items with ten or fifteen years of excuses. Under this administration, that era is over,” Tinubu declared.

The President commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to infrastructure development across Abuja and praised the contractor for delivering the project according to schedule.

“The Honourable Minister has shown what happens when political will meets accountability. We fund projects to see results, not to hear explanations for failure,” he said.

Tinubu described the road as more than a transportation corridor, noting that it would ease traffic congestion, improve mobility, and support economic activities across the capital city.

He said the corridor now provides improved connectivity between Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado, Idu, and Mbora, while also enhancing access to the Idu Industrial District.

The President, however, urged residents, businesses, traditional rulers, and community leaders to protect public infrastructure from vandalism and fulfil their tax and land-related obligations to support further development in the FCT.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praised President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development in Abuja, particularly in satellite towns and rural communities, describing the progress recorded under the administration as unprecedented.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, commended the President for his support for critical infrastructure projects and lauded Vice President Shettima for his commitment to development initiatives across the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said the completion of the road project would significantly improve transportation and connectivity among communities within the territory.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by federal lawmakers, senior government officials, and other stakeholders.