President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his role in advancing infrastructure development within Abuja, describing his performance as outstanding.
The President gave the commendation on Friday during the inauguration of Collector Road CN2, popularly known as Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard, alongside other completed road projects in the Katampe District of the FCT.
Represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said Wike had met expectations since assuming office as FCT minister, noting that his track record informed the decision to entrust him with the responsibility of managing the nation’s capital.
“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track records. Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President.
“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason,” the president said.
The remarks came amid the FCT Administration’s ongoing commissioning of completed projects across the territory.
Tinubu said the newly inaugurated road reflects his administration’s determination to convert governance into tangible projects that improve the lives of residents.
He also pointed to the installation of solar-powered streetlights on major roads, noting that the initiative had strengthened security and boosted economic and social activities after dark.
“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing.
This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” Tinubu said.
According to the President, the road project serves as a symbol of hope and demonstrates that the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is producing visible outcomes for Nigerians.
Speaking during the ceremony, Wike said the road project was initiated after authorities discovered a critical gap in the transportation network following the completion of nearby infrastructure.
“Last year, when Mr President commissioned the Gishiri road and the bridge linking Maitama, this road did not even exist.
We identified the missing link and immediately moved to address it because infrastructure must be holistic,” he said.
The minister stated that the development had already begun attracting investors and accelerating real estate activities within the Katampe area.
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“People say nothing is happening in Nigeria, but when you look around Abuja and see construction sites everywhere, new buildings emerging daily and businesses investing heavily, the evidence speaks for itself,” he said.
Wike stressed that infrastructure development remains essential for economic expansion and job creation, adding that numerous residents have benefited from projects executed by the FCT Administration.
He further highlighted efforts to spread development beyond the city centre to rural and satellite communities, referencing the recently completed road connecting Tungan-Madaki communities.
“For the first time, many of these communities are experiencing what government presence truly means. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said.
The minister also announced that another major project would be unveiled on Monday with the inauguration of a water supply scheme in Karu, designed to improve access to clean water in satellite towns.
In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, said the project supports Tinubu’s vision of leveraging infrastructure to drive economic growth, promote social inclusion and improve living conditions.
She praised the President, the National Assembly, Wike, contractors, engineers and community leaders for their contributions toward the successful completion of the project.
Earlier, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Dauda, explained that the project comprises a 3.9-kilometre road network featuring underground drainage systems, water and sewer pipelines, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and landscaped green areas.
Dauda noted that the road would enhance connectivity among Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and surrounding districts while creating opportunities for both residential and commercial expansion.