President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated the completed Phase I of the Kuje-Gwagwalada Dual Carriageway in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the 7-kilometre road in Kuje Area Council, said the project would improve connectivity between Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and adjoining communities.
“For decades, this road was a death trap. Traders from Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and beyond lost time, goods and sometimes lives while plying this road. Criminals thrived in the darkness. Students wasted hours in traffic. Farmers could not get their produce to market on time. But that story ends today,” the President said.
He said the road, equipped with solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and modern drainage facilities, represents more than physical infrastructure.
“This 7-kilometre dual carriageway with solar-powered streetlights, pedestrian walkways and proper drainage is more than a road. It is security. It is commerce. It is dignity.
“It is the economic corridor linking Abuja to three area councils and an opening and exit route to Southern Nigeria. With the construction of this road, we have unlocked the agricultural potential of this area, opened new residential layouts and made it safer for mothers, students and workers to move at any hour,” he declared.
Tinubu urged residents to safeguard public infrastructure and support government efforts through civic responsibility.
“My people of Kuje, Gwagwalada, Kwali and all the area councils and satellite towns, hear me clearly: this government sees you. You are not forgotten.
“For too long, Abuja’s development stopped at the city centre. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, every area council matters. Every community counts. We will keep bringing roads, water, schools and hospitals to you.
“Do not build on the median. Do not vandalise the solar lights. Pay your taxes and ground rents. When government works and citizens cooperate, development moves faster,” he said.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for expanding development to underserved communities across the territory.
“I gave you an instruction when I appointed you: make Abuja work for all Nigerians, not just for those in Maitama and Asokoro.
“You have taken Renewed Hope to the grassroots. From judicial quarters in Katampe to roads in Kuje and Gwagwalada, you are proving that development must not be selective. You heard the cries of satellite communities and responded. That is leadership. Well done, Honourable Minister,” Tinubu said.
Speaking earlier at the inauguration ceremony, Wike said insecurity and poor road infrastructure were the top concerns raised by residents of Kuje.
“So, one day, while returning from Kwali after inspecting projects, I said let us pass through the road the traditional ruler had been talking about.
“As we travelled, it took us almost two hours. I asked where we were heading to and they said Kuje. I said, ‘Are we in America?’ This is within the FCT and it took us almost two hours. The road was terrible. In fact, saying it was bad is an understatement; there was practically no road,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the project was awarded to Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited in early 2025 and expressed satisfaction with the timely completion of the first phase.
He added that the contractor had assured the government that the second phase, covering the remaining six kilometres of the corridor, would be completed by December 2026.
“What this means is that the people of Gwagwalada and Kuje can now interact more easily, businesses can thrive and farmers can move their produce to markets without stress. That is governance. That is bringing hope to the people,” Wike said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens through infrastructure projects.
The Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department, Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, said the project includes a three-span bridge, drainage systems and solar-powered streetlights.
