President Tinubu Inaugurates Key Abuja Road, Lauding Wike’s Alignment with Capital City Development Vision
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his commendation for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for embracing his vision of transforming Abuja into a world-class capital city. This praise came during the inauguration of the first phase of Arterial Road N5, also known as Obafemi Awolowo Way, stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III. The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, marked a significant milestone in the President’s second year in office and underscored the administration’s commitment to infrastructural development.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the newly inaugurated road as a testament to the potential of merging vision with action. He emphasized its symbolic representation of collective progress and the pursuit of a brighter future for Nigeria. Arterial Road N5 serves as a tangible manifestation of the government’s dedication to providing modern infrastructure that enhances the daily lives of its citizens. The improved road network is expected to significantly alleviate traffic congestion in districts like Dape, Gwarimpa 1, Kado, Karsana, Idu, and Mbora, easing the flow of vehicles and reducing travel time for commuters.
The President’s commendation extended beyond Minister Wike to encompass the FCT administration, residents, and stakeholders, recognizing their integral roles in the project’s successful completion. He lauded their collaborative efforts in making the road a reality, further emphasizing the importance of partnerships in national development. The inauguration of Arterial Road N5 holds substantial promise for enhancing connectivity, accessibility, and the overall quality of life for residents in the affected areas.
Minister Wike, in his address, acknowledged the temporary inconveniences caused by the ongoing infrastructural development projects within the FCT. He urged residents to exercise patience, emphasizing that progress often entails challenges. The contract for the extension of Arterial Road N5 was awarded by the Federal Executive Council in September 2024, with work commencing the following month. The project, awarded to Julius Berger, is divided into two phases. The first phase has now been inaugurated, while the second phase is scheduled for completion and inauguration before the end of 2025.
Minister Wike also expressed his gratitude to the communities affected by the road project for their understanding and cooperation. He highlighted that compensation has been disbursed to both indigenous and non-indigenous residents whose properties were impacted, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Furthermore, discussions are underway with community leaders regarding compensation for the planned extension of the road to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The Minister commended President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their support and involvement in the FCT’s development initiatives.
Richard Dauda, the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), provided technical details about the road project. He described it as a six-lane dual carriageway with an additional parking lane on each side, effectively making it an eight-lane road. Arterial Road N5 is a crucial inter-district route traversing several districts within the city. As outlined in the FCT Master Plan, the road originates from the Central Business District, passes through the International Conference Centre and NPC towers, and traverses Wuse District in Phase I. It continues through Utako and Jabi District in Phase II and extends to Dape and Gwarinpa Districts in Phase III. Future development plans envision extending the road further in Phase IV. Phases I and II have already been fully developed, and the recently inaugurated section constitutes part of Phase III, connecting Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III. This comprehensive development underscores the long-term vision for enhancing connectivity and facilitating smoother traffic flow within the FCT.
