Tinubu commends Wike, says FCT Minister delivers projects without delay
By Taiwo Scholarstica
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to delivering infrastructure projects, describing him as an administrator who remains focused until assigned tasks are completed.
The President made the remarks during the inauguration of the newly completed Collector Road C01 and its bridge in the Institution and Research District of the Federal Capital Territory. He also stated that the ongoing development of Abuja reflects his administration’s broader vision for national growth and infrastructure renewal.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President at the commissioning ceremony.
The details were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, titled, ‘President Tinubu: Abuja’s Transformation Mirrors Nigeria’s Development.’
While acknowledging Wike’s efforts, Tinubu said the minister had continued to demonstrate dedication in executing projects.
“He has proven once again that when he is given a job, he does not sleep until it is done,” the President said.
Tinubu stressed that infrastructure remains central to economic development, adding that his administration is determined to ensure projects are completed rather than abandoned.
“When you build roads, you open up districts. When you open up districts, you invite investment. And when investment comes, Nigeria grows,” he said.
According to the President, the progress recorded in Abuja represents the type of transformation the Federal Government intends to achieve across the country.
“The transformation of Abuja is a microcosm of the transformation we are bringing to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding infrastructure in urban centres, satellite towns and rural communities, noting that all Nigerians deserve the benefits of effective governance.
Tinubu recalled that the road project was initiated after members of the Body of Benchers raised concerns during the Nigerian Law School Call to Bar ceremony last year over traffic congestion and poor road access around the Institution and Research District.
“I told him, ’Look, we cannot have the legal luminaries of our nation navigating potholes to train our future advocates.
“We cannot have students arriving late to lectures because of a lack of a simple bridge.’
We did not just talk about it. We approved it under emergency procurement. And today, just months later, here we are,” he said.
The President added that the project created hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities for young Nigerians while contributing to economic activities through infrastructure investment.
He also noted that the new road has improved movement for students, lecturers and residents who previously faced heavy traffic in the area.
“We promised Renewed Hope. And today, as we stand on this newly constructed Collector Road C01, complete with its bridge, we are not just looking at the physical road; we are looking at a promise kept,” Tinubu said.
Speaking at the event, Wike disclosed that the inauguration marked the 21st project commissioned in the FCT under the present administration.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for providing the financial support required for infrastructure development and for removing the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account, a decision he said had enhanced project implementation.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, thanked the President for what she described as remarkable infrastructure development across the capital city and assured him that residents would safeguard public facilities.
Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, explained that the newly completed road, equipped with a link bridge, underground drainage system and solar-powered streetlights, would improve access to research and educational institutions within the district while enhancing connectivity with neighbouring communities in line with the FCT Master Plan.