Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for the rapid completion of a seven-kilometre access road linking communities around the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing him as "Mr Project" and commending his commitment to delivering infrastructure within record time. Represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the inauguration of the road on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Tinubu said the project fulfilled a promise made to communities affected by the construction of the airport's second runway.
The road, which runs from Bill Clinton Drive to Tungan Madaki settlement and includes a four-span bridge, was designed to address years of neglect suffered by communities that surrendered ancestral lands for the construction of the airport's second runway but were left without basic road infrastructure. "Yet, for years, the paradox remained. These patriotic communities gave up land for aeroplanes to fly, yet they had no motorable roads for their own feet and vehicles. They were cut off," Tinubu said. "Let me state this clearly: no citizen should be made a victim of national development. When the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, brought this matter to my attention, my directive was clear and unequivocal: 'Whatever the communities ask for to make their lives whole, give it to them.' We do not just take; we build, we replace and we elevate. Today, we have fulfilled that solemn promise."
Tinubu described the road as an economic corridor that would improve security around the airport, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate economic activities in surrounding communities. The president said the four-span bridge would guarantee year-round movement of people, goods, and services. "Whether in the height of the dry season or the peak of the rains, our farmers can move their produce, our children can go to school, and businesses can thrive without disruption," he said. "That is what the Renewed Hope Agenda means: reducing hardship by building infrastructure that works."
The president singled out Wike for praise, describing him as a model of project delivery. "Wike, you are Mr Project, and you have not disappointed. In February 2025, I approved this project. You mobilised immediately. Today, barely 16 months later, this beautiful stretch of road is completed and ready for use. No excuses. No stories. Just delivery. That is the standard Nigerians deserve, and that is the standard this administration will maintain," Tinubu said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the economic hardships facing Nigerians but defended the reform agenda of his administration, saying the difficult decisions taken three years ago were necessary investments in the country's future. "The reforms we embarked on three years ago were never going to be easy. We made hard choices. But they were necessary choices. Hard choices today mean a stronger Nigeria tomorrow," he said. "We are not building for headlines. We are building for generations to come. We will keep working day and night until every Nigerian feels the impact of good governance."
Speaking at the event, Wike said the road project formed part of activities marking the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration and the seventh day of a 31-day programme of project unveilings across the territory. The minister commended the Tungan Madaki community for their cooperation during the land acquisition process, describing them as a model for other host communities across the country. "I must commend this community as a strong example for others to learn from. They did not make unrealistic demands or attempt to frustrate government efforts. Instead, they made two simple requests: employment for their youths and access roads for their community. They did not demand huge monetary compensation. They simply asked for jobs and roads. Today, government has delivered both," Wike said.
Wike also disclosed that the Federal Capital Development Authority had directed the contractor, CCECC Nigeria Limited, to extend the road to Zuba to maximise its economic impact. He warned land grabbers against encroachment on the road corridor, assuring residents that the administration would grant them Certificates of Occupancy to secure their ownership rights. "This road is proof that when government and communities work together, progress is possible," he said.
The project, completed within 16 months by CCECC, is projected to improve security around critical aviation infrastructure, reduce pressure on existing routes, and open markets and services to satellite communities that had for years lacked motorable access despite hosting airport facilities. The road now links communities across Abuja Municipal Area Council and Gwagwalada Area Council and improves access for travellers from Zuba and neighbouring settlements.
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