President Bola Tinubu on Thursday hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for delivering a seven-kilometre road project linking communities around the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, saying the development fulfils a longstanding promise to residents affected by the construction of the airport’s second runway….
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for delivering a seven-kilometre road project linking communities around the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, saying the development fulfils a longstanding promise to residents affected by the construction of the airport’s second runway.
The President, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, on Thursday, said the road project was conceived to address years of neglect suffered by communities that sacrificed land for a project of national importance but were left without adequate infrastructure.
The newly completed road runs from Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki settlement and features a four-span bridge designed to ensure all-season access for residents.
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Reflecting on the plight of the affected communities, Tinubu said they had borne the burden of national development without enjoying the benefits of basic infrastructure.
“Yet, for years, the paradox remained. These patriotic communities gave up land for aeroplanes to fly, yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet and vehicles. They were cut off,” the President said.
“Let me state this clearly: no citizen should be made a victim of national development.”
Tinubu disclosed that he immediately approved measures to address the concerns of the host communities when the matter was brought to his attention by the FCT Minister.
“When the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, brought this matter to my attention, my directive was clear and unequivocal: ‘Whatever the communities ask for to make their lives whole, give it to them.’
“We do not just take; we build, we replace and we elevate. Today, we have fulfilled that solemn promise,” he stated.
The President described the road as more than a transportation project, noting that it would improve security around the nation’s gateway airport, ease traffic movement and stimulate economic activities in surrounding settlements.
He added that the bridge component would guarantee uninterrupted movement throughout the year.
“Whether in the height of the dry season or the peak of the rains, our farmers can move their produce, our children can go to school, and businesses can thrive without disruption,” Tinubu said.
“That is what the renewed hope agenda means: reducing hardship by building infrastructure that works.”
Tinubu also commended Wike and the FCT Administration for completing the project within 16 months of its approval.
“Wike, you are Mr Project, and you have not disappointed. In February 2025, I approved this project. You mobilised immediately,” he said.
“Today, barely 16 months later, this beautiful stretch of road is completed and ready for use. No excuses. No stories. Just delivery. That is the standard Nigerians deserve, and that is the standard this administration will maintain.”
The President urged residents to safeguard the infrastructure by preventing encroachment on the road corridor and ensuring that drainage facilities are properly maintained.
He also defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying the measures were difficult but necessary for the country’s long-term progress.
“The reforms we embarked on three years ago were never going to be easy. We made hard choices. But they were necessary choices,” Tinubu said.
