Tinubu Hails Wike, Says ‘Mr Project’ Has Transformed Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Friday delivered what appeared to be his strongest public endorsement yet of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, declaring that the former Rivers State governor has justified the confidence reposed in him to transform Abuja into a modern capital city.Abuja,

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, spoke during the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Emmanuel Okanla Boulevard) and adjoining road networks in Katampe District, Abuja.

The President praised Wike’s performance in executing critical infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, describing him as a results-driven administrator whose impact is visible across the nation’s capital.

“When I gave him the assignment to make Abuja a true capital city, I knew his track record. Barrister Wike, you have not disappointed Mr President,” Tinubu said.

The President commended the FCT minister for driving major infrastructure projects, including roads, water schemes, judicial infrastructure and urban renewal initiatives that have transformed several parts of Abuja within a relatively short period.

“From transforming abandoned roads into new boulevards, to delivering water projects and judicial quarters, you work day and night. You do not give excuses; you give results. The people of the FCT call you ‘Mr Project’ for a reason,” he added.

Tinubu’s remarks came on the eighth day of a marathon commissioning exercise by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, showcasing projects delivered under the current administration.

He described the newly completed Collector Road CN2 as a practical demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to translating the Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible benefits for Nigerians.

According to him, investments in road infrastructure and solar-powered street lighting have significantly improved security, mobility and economic activities within the territory.

“We have installed solar street lights, and today Katampe is bright at night. Abuja’s city life is coming back, and criminal hideouts are disappearing. This is exactly what good governance delivers: security, mobility and dignity,” the President said.

Tinubu said the significance of the road project goes beyond physical infrastructure, describing it as a symbol of confidence in government and the future of the country.

“A road like CN2 is more than just concrete. It represents hope. It proves to every Nigerian that government can deliver. It tells our youth that this country truly belongs to them,” he stated.

The President also called on residents of the FCT to take ownership of public infrastructure by paying taxes, settling ground rents and protecting government assets from vandalism.

“This road belongs to you; guard it for your children. Do not vandalise the street lights or turn walkways into marketplaces. If you witness any destruction, report it immediately,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Wike explained that the project was conceived to address a critical infrastructure gap in the rapidly developing Katampe District and complement road projects already completed in neighbouring districts.

According to him, the road became necessary after the administration discovered that existing projects in the area would remain incomplete without the missing link provided by Collector Road CN2.

“Last year, when Mr President commissioned the bridge and road at Guzape, this particular road did not even exist. We identified the gap and decided it had to be closed because infrastructure development must be holistic,” Wike said.

The minister noted that the road had already begun attracting significant private-sector investments, particularly in the real estate sector, with several building projects springing up along the corridor.

“Every time I come here, I am amazed by the level of development taking place. Previously, there were no structures here, but today construction is everywhere. When people say nothing is happening in Nigeria, they only need to look around Abuja to see the evidence of progress,” he said.

Wike argued that infrastructure development remains one of the most effective tools for stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities.

He said ongoing projects across the FCT had provided jobs for thousands of engineers, artisans, labourers and other support workers.

According to the minister, the administration is also ensuring that development extends beyond the city centre to satellite towns and rural communities.

He cited the recently commissioned road linking communities affected by the construction of the FCT’s second airport runway, saying the Tinubu administration was determined to spread the dividends of democracy to all parts of the territory.

“For the first time, many of these communities are seeing government presence in practical terms. We are connecting people to opportunities, schools, healthcare and economic activities,” he said.

Wike disclosed that another major infrastructure milestone would be recorded on Monday with the commissioning of a strategic water supply project in Karu.

He said the project was designed to improve access to potable water in satellite towns and further enhance the quality of life of residents.

Expressing confidence in the pace of development under the current administration, the minister said Abuja would witness even greater transformation before the end of Tinubu’s first term in office.

“I am confident that before the end of your administration’s first term, Abuja will be completely transformed. In your first year alone, you have demonstrated an uncommon commitment to both the city and the satellite towns,” Wike said.

Providing an overview of the project, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, said the road network comprises Collector Road CN2 and Important Local Street 5, with a combined length of approximately 3.9 kilometres.

Dauda explained that the project features underground stormwater drainage systems, potable water pipelines, sewer networks, telecommunications ducts, solar-powered street lighting, pedestrian walkways and landscaped green areas.

According to him, the road will improve connectivity between Katampe, Mabushi, Jahi, Maitama and adjoining districts, while opening up new areas for residential and commercial development.

“It provides critical links to Yemi Osinbajo Way and Wole Soyinka Way, both of which connect directly to the Outer Northern Expressway,” he said.

Also speaking, the Deputy Managing Director of CGC Nigeria Limited, Fan Xiaojing, described the project as “a promise fulfilled,” noting that Katampe District had suffered severe access challenges before construction commenced seven months ago.

He said the completion of the road had already triggered increased investment and development activities within the district.

“If you want development, build the road first. Throughout the construction phase, we witnessed development following directly behind our equipment. Investors moved in, land development accelerated and businesses positioned themselves to take advantage of the new opportunities,” Xiaojing said.

In her vote of thanks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, commended President Tinubu, Wike, the National Assembly, engineers, contractors, security agencies and community leaders for their contributions to the successful execution of the project.

She described the road as another example of the administration’s commitment to deploying infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, social inclusion and improved quality of life.

The commissioning of the Katampe road network forms part of a broader infrastructure drive by the FCT Administration, which has delivered several roads, bridges, housing projects and public utility infrastructure across Abuja as part of efforts to deepen the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda.