Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for keying into his vision of developing Abuja into a world-class capital city.
Tinubu made the commendation in Abuja on Friday while inaugurating the first Phase of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III, to celebrate his second year in office.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, the President said that the Arterial Road N5 represented what Nigerians can achieve when vision meets action.
He said that the road represented a symbol of collective progress and commitment to a better future.
“It reflects on our commitment to deliver a modern infrastructure that improves the daily lives of our people.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the FCT administration, the residents and stakeholders who have been integral to 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.
For his part, Wike urged FCT residents to bear with the inconveniences caused by the ongoing infrastructural development, noting that development comes with challenges.
He said that the Federal Executive Council awarded the contract for the extension of Arterial Road N5 in September 2024, but work commenced in October.
He said the contract was awarded to Julius Berger in two phases, adding that the first Phase was inaugurated, and the second Phase would be inaugurated before the end of 2025.
Wike commended the affected communities who lost their houses to the road project for their understanding and support.
He said compensation was paid to both affected indigenes and non-indigenes in line with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the Minister, the conversation is ongoing with community leaders about paying them compensation to extend the road to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport.
He commended the President and the National Assembly for identifying with the FCT.
Earlier, Mr Richard Dauda, acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, said that the road was a six-lane dual carriageway with a parking lane, making it eight lanes.
Dauda said that the road was one of the major inter-district roads that traversed several city districts.
“As provided in the FCT Master Plan, the Arterial Road N5 starts from the Central Business District, International Conference Centre, passes by the NPC towers and traverses through Wuse District in Phase I.
“It continues through Utako and Jabi District in Phase II and up to Dape and Gwarinpa Districts in Phase III. Future development will extend the road to Phase IV,” he said.
He said that Phases I and II had been fully developed, and the potion being inaugurated was in the Phase III section of the road, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III.
