President Bola Tinubu has declared that the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) represents his administration’s broader vision for national development, saying strategic infrastructure projects are laying the foundation for economic growth and improved connectivity across Nigeria.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of the newly completed Collector Road C01 and bridge in Abuja’s Institution and Research District. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu described infrastructure as a critical driver of economic prosperity, noting that the development of modern road networks creates opportunities for investment, expands access to new communities and stimulates economic activities.
“When you build roads, you open up districts. When you open up districts, you invite investment. And when investment comes, Nigeria grows,” the President said.
He stressed that the development taking place in the Federal Capital Territory mirrors the administration’s wider commitment to modernising infrastructure across the country.
“The transformation of Abuja is a microcosm of the transformation we are bringing to the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
Tinubu recalled that the road project was initiated following complaints by the Body of Benchers during the 2025 Nigerian Law School Call to Bar ceremony over persistent traffic congestion and poor access to the Nigerian Law School.
According to him, he immediately directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to resolve the situation through emergency procurement.
“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 noted that beyond easing traffic and improving access to educational institutions, the project generated hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities during construction while opening up surrounding communities for future development.
He also commended Wike for his commitment to implementing the administration’s infrastructure agenda, describing the minister’s performance as a reflection of the government’s determination to deliver impactful projects.
Earlier, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for attending the 21st day of the FCT project inauguration exercise.
Wike assured residents that the administration would continue to spread infrastructure development across all districts of the Federal Capital Territory rather than concentrating projects in the city centre alone.
He also thanked the President for providing adequate funding for infrastructure development and for removing the Federal Capital Territory Administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a move he said has improved project execution.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, equally commended President Tinubu for his continued support, noting that it has enabled the execution of numerous projects across the nation’s capital.
Providing details of the project, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Yunana Dauda, said the newly inaugurated road features a link bridge, underground drainage system and solar-powered streetlights.
He explained that the infrastructure would significantly improve access to research institutions, educational facilities and neighbouring communities while enhancing mobility within the rapidly developing district.
The inauguration forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory as a catalyst for economic growth, improved urban planning and national development.