President Bola Tinubu says road construction across FCT satellite towns will energise local economies. He made the remarks on Monday through Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the inauguration of upgraded Karu township roads.
Tinubu noted that the Karu project proves his administration's commitment to reducing urban congestion. It also demonstrates efforts to improve living standards for FCT residents, he added.
According to the president, the development reflects his Renewed Hope Agenda in practice. It's part of a broader push to modernise the nation's capital, he said.
"When we took office three years ago, we recognised that true development must reach where the people actually live, work and commute," Tinubu stated. For years, Karu served as a critical link between the FCT and neighbouring states, he noted.
Traffic congestion in the corridor had sapped residents' productivity and morale. The severity of the gridlock frustrated commuters and hampered business activities daily.
"By expanding and rehabilitating these roads, we are not just laying asphalt; we are injecting life back into the local economy," the president said. Completed work has slashed travel times and eliminated frustrating traffic jams, he noted.
Businesses in the densely populated area can now thrive under better conditions. The improvements have created an environment where commerce can flourish, Tinubu argued.
He praised FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for driving the transformation across Abuja. "The rapid physical transformation across Abuja could not have happened without his dogged, relentless and focused supervision," Tinubu noted.
Wike's aggressive implementation of the urban renewal master plan is visible throughout the territory. Everyone can see the changes, the president added.
By focusing on high-density satellite roads like Karu alongside the city centre, the FCT validates its governance approach. This strategy ensures practical comfort reaches all socio-economic classes, Tinubu explained.
Tinubu commended contractor Abdul-Val Nigeria Ltd for quality work and timely delivery. He said the firm proved Nigerian companies can match international benchmarks for quality and project management.
Wike told residents that Karu's landscape has transformed completely. He urged them to acknowledge government efforts improving their daily lives.
"It doesn't matter the political party you belong to, or the association you belong to, when you see a good thing say, this is a good thing," Wike said. Opposition figures and government officials alike use these roads, he noted.
"Whether anybody hates you (Tinubu) or not, he cannot hate this road," the minister observed. Non-politicians also depend on the improved infrastructure daily, he added.
Wike promised steady development and democratic dividends for every FCT community and district. The Tinubu administration remains committed to this vision, he assured residents.
He also praised the local contractor for proving Nigerian firms have matured. Local companies can now deliver what foreign firms traditionally provided, Wike argued.
According to Wike, Abdul-Val demonstrated exceptional commitment despite payment uncertainties. "I will do everything, and I know at the end of the day, I will be paid," the contractor's dedication exemplified, Wike said.
