President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the construction of the Southern Parkway service carriageways, stretching from Arterial Road S20 (Oladipo Diya Way) to Ring Road II in the southern districts of Abuja, describing the project as a major step in the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Represented by APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, at the ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja, President Tinubu said the project aligns with his administration’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents.
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He noted that the Southern Parkway remains one of the most strategic corridors in the Abuja Master Plan, connecting several districts across the southern axis of the nation’s capital.
According to the President, the project will significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity, and stimulate economic activities in the affected communities.
He recalled that the main carriageway, now known as Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, had already been completed and commissioned, adding that the construction of the service lanes would complete the original vision for the corridor.
“These service carriageways are not a luxury. They are designed to ease access and improve mobility for our people. Residents of Durumi, Gudu, Gaduwa and surrounding communities experience heavy traffic congestion daily. When these service lanes are completed, travel time will reduce, businesses will save money and families will spend less time on the road,” he said.
President Tinubu also commended the FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for what he described as exceptional leadership and dedication to infrastructure development in the FCT.
He praised Wike for reviving abandoned projects and ensuring their timely completion, saying the minister had successfully translated the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda into visible development across Abuja.
“Through your actions, you have demonstrated that you are truly ‘Mr. Project.’ Since assuming office, you have revived abandoned projects, set clear targets and delivered results within record time,” he stated.
The President also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, and other officials of the FCT Administration for maintaining high standards in project execution.
While assuring Nigerians that ongoing economic reforms would yield long-term benefits, Tinubu urged residents to support contractors and facilitate the smooth execution of the project.
He also directed the construction firm, China Geo-Engineering Construction Nigeria Limited, to create employment opportunities for local youths and provide skills training for artisans during the construction period.
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Earlier, Wike dismissed suggestions that infrastructure development in Abuja would slow down following recent project commissioning exercises.
He maintained that the FCT Administration remained committed to sustaining the pace of development irrespective of the political season.
“By the time Mr. President completes his first tenure in May 2027, the landscape of Abuja will have changed completely,” the minister declared.
Wike also expressed confidence in the capacity of the contractor to deliver the project on schedule, assuring that the administration would provide the necessary funding to ensure uninterrupted progress.
He challenged the contractor to work diligently and complete the project before January 2027.
The minister further issued a strong warning against illegal land encroachment along the project corridor, directing relevant agencies to demolish unauthorized structures erected without official approval.
According to him, individuals who illegally occupy government land or forge allocation documents would not be spared.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, explained that the project is fully aligned with the Abuja Master Plan.
He disclosed that the scope of work includes the construction of two service carriageways of two lanes each, spanning approximately three kilometres, as well as two river bridges, drainage infrastructure, culverts and street lighting installations.
In her vote of thanks, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, Head of the FCTA Civil Service Commission, appreciated President Tinubu for his continued support and commended the leadership of the FCT Administration.
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She also urged the contractor to maintain the highest safety standards throughout the execution of the project.
The Managing Director of CGC Nigeria Ltd pledged the company’s commitment to delivering a world-class project within schedule, noting that ongoing infrastructure investments in the FCT are contributing positively to Nigeria’s economic growth.