President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for aligning with his vision to transform Abuja into a world-class capital city.
The President gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja while inaugurating the first phase of the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III. The project inauguration was part of events marking his second year in office.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu described the road as a powerful symbol of what can be accomplished through visionary leadership and decisive action.
“This road reflects our commitment to deliver a modern infrastructure that improves the daily lives of our people,” he said.
“With the inauguration of this road, traffic circulation around the districts of Dape, Gwarimpa 1, Kado, Karsana, Idu, and Mbora will greatly ease. It will further decongest traffic gridlock around the Life Camp Junction and adjoining neighbourhoods.”
The President expressed appreciation to Wike, FCT residents, and other stakeholders who contributed to the successful execution of the project.
“Thank you, Mr Wike, and all the residents and stakeholders who have made this project a reality. I also congratulate the FCT administration for keying into our vision of developing the nation’s capital to a level comparable to that of the world’s top capital cities,” he said.
In his remarks, Minister Wike urged FCT residents to remain patient amid ongoing infrastructural works, noting that progress often comes with temporary disruptions.
He explained that the contract for the road’s extension was awarded by the Federal Executive Council in September 2024, with construction beginning the following month. The project was handled in two phases by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
“The first phase has now been completed and inaugurated. The second phase will be ready before the end of 2025,” he said.
Wike thanked communities affected by the road construction for their support and cooperation, despite losing properties to the project. He noted that compensation was provided to both indigenes and non-indigenes, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Discussions are ongoing with community leaders to facilitate compensation that will allow us to extend the road up to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport,” he added.
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The minister also acknowledged the support of the President and the National Assembly in prioritising infrastructure development in the FCT.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, gave further insight into the project. He said the road was designed as a six-lane dual carriageway with an additional parking lane on each side, bringing the total to eight lanes.
Dauda described Arterial Road N5 as a vital inter-district route as envisioned in the FCT Master Plan.
“The Arterial Road N5 starts from the Central Business District near the International Conference Centre, passes by the NPC Towers, and cuts through Wuse District in Phase I. It then continues through Utako and Jabi in Phase II, and up to Dape and Gwarimpa in Phase III. Future development will see the road extend to Phase IV,” he said.
He confirmed that Phases I and II of the road have already been developed, while the newly inaugurated section covers the Phase III stretch from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III.
