President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said his administration is transforming the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through infrastructural development to rebuild public trust and restore citizens’ confidence in government.
Speaking during the inauguration of the newly constructed interchange linking Jahi and Gwarinpa districts in Abuja, Tinubu said ongoing infrastructure projects under his Renewed Hope Agenda were aimed at improving mobility, boosting economic activities, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Represented by Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President noted that Abuja was witnessing significant transformation through strategic investments in roads and other critical infrastructure.
“Abuja is changing. One interchange at a time, one road at a time, we are rebuilding trust and restoring hope. Together, we will build a country where every citizen can move freely, live safely and prosper,” he said.
According to him, the new interchange will ease traffic congestion that previously affected major routes connecting Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi and Gwarinpa.
Describing infrastructure as the foundation of prosperity, Tinubu said roads serve as the arteries of a nation, adding that connecting districts also connects opportunities and destinies.
He commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for driving infrastructure development across the territory, saying residents were already feeling the impact of the projects.
In his remarks, Wike said the project, awarded shortly before Tinubu assumed office in 2023, was completed because the President ensured continuity in governance by providing funds for its execution.
“Government is a continuum. It does not matter who awarded the project; what is important is completing it for the development of society,” he said.
Responding to criticism that the administration was focusing only on road construction while citizens faced economic hardship, Wike said the claim was misleading, citing recent investments in water infrastructure, including the inauguration of the Karu Water Supply Network and another project scheduled for commissioning in Bwari next month.
FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the interchange as a critical infrastructure that would improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and facilitate movement of people and goods across the capital city.
Earlier, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, said the interchange forms part of the 7.25-kilometre Arterial Road N16 project linking Ring Road II and Ring Road III, adding that other sections of the road corridor were at various stages of completion.